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Support if you’re struggling with bills this winter

10 December 2025 - Communities
As the weather gets colder, we know keeping your home warm and paying bills can be tough. If you’re worried, you’re not alone and help is available.
Lady sitting on a couch with Christmas tree behind her. She is holding one hand to her head with a credit card in the other hand looking at a laptop and seems stressed.

Richard Bampton, Project Director Customer Support, said: “We know winter is a difficult time for many of our customers. It can be worrying to have to think about heating or putting food on the table. We can offer advice, support and access to grants. Don’t let debts and worries mount up. If you’re concerned, get in touch – we’re here for you.”  

How we can help you 

Our Tenancy Sustainment Team can: 

  • give practical advice on managing costs 

  • provide emergency energy top-up vouchers 

  • help you access grants and social tariff discounts 

  • refer you to foodbanks or issue food vouchers 

  • finding funding for broken appliances. 

Other support and help available  

Tips to help you save energy and cut costs in your home 

Lighting and appliances 

  • switch to LED bulbs, they use up to 90% less energy 

  • turn off devices when not in use  

Kitchen and laundry 

  • Cook with pan lids and use extractor fans 

  • Run appliances with full loads 

  • Wash clothes at 30°C and air dry when possible  

Heating and insulation 

  • Use electric blankets to heat yourself instead of the whole room  

  • Only heat rooms in use 

  • Use draught excluders and thermal curtains 

Behavioural changes 

  • Track habits and make small changes, like opening curtains for sunlight and closing them at dusk. 

Case study: How we helped Mrs Shaw* with her bills 

Mrs Shaw, aged 84, attends one of our warm hubs at her local community centre. She enjoys these sessions for a cup of tea, a chat with friends and access to UK Harvest’s food hub, which offers affordable food for a small donation. 

Mrs Shaw told us she had received a very large water bill and needed help. Our Tenancy Sustainment Officer called the water company with her and corrected errors on the bill. They also applied for a social tariff, discounted rates offered by service providers to people on low incomes or certain benefits. Switching to a social tariff Mrs Shaw was able to reduce her bill by 45%. 

To help over the winter, we arranged for Mrs Shaw to receive vouchers to top up her gas and electric meters. Our Tenancy Sustainment Officer also carried out a financial check and will support her to apply for Pension Credit to boost her income. 

*Name changed for anonymity. 

More information 

Don’t wait until things feel overwhelming – get in touch and we’ll help you stay warm and supported this winter. 

  • Phone: 0800 432 0077