Gas and Electricity
Since 2015 Energy companies have been required to put customers onto the cheapest available tariff suitable to their needs. If you are unsure whether you are on the cheapest tariff or you would like to compare the costs of your energy bills please contact your energy provider direct or visit the Money Saving Expert website at the following link:
You can also use price comparison tools to check your usage and costs for energy providers which are readily available on the internet by searching price comparison tools.
If you are on a low income or over a certain age you might also be able to receive help.
Extra Government support is provided for people who are older and those on particular benefits. This includes the:
Warm Home Discount Scheme – This is a one-off discount on your electricity bill of up to £140 for winter 2021 to 2022
Winter Fuel Payment – This is a payment for older people of between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills.
Cold Weather Payment – This is an extra payment where there is a spell of very cold weather.
Additionally, for those struggling to pay energy debts, grants are available to help. Contact your energy supplier directly to find out more or read the Citizens Advice information on grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills. If your energy supplier does not provide a grant scheme you can apply to the British Gas Energy Trust for help. These grants are available to everyone whether you are a British Gas Customer or not. To check if you are eligible use the following link: Grants Available – British Gas Energy Trust
Fuel Bank Foundation – Organisation available at selected food banks and advice agencies across the country, providing top up vouchers for approximately two weeks' worth of fuel to clients who use a prepayment meter.
Ofgem increases level of price cap
The energy price cap will increase from 1 April 2022 for approximately 22 million customers. Those on default tariffs paying by direct debit will see an increase of £693 from £1,277 to £1,971 per year (difference due to rounding). Prepayment customers will see an increase of £708 from £1,309 to £2,017. The increase is driven by a record rise in global gas prices over the last six months, with wholesale prices increasing by five times compared to last winter.
Ofgem information regarding help can be found here
The government has announced a package of support to help households with rising energy bills, worth £9.1 billion in 2022-23. This includes a £200 discount on their energy bill this Autumn for domestic electricity customers in Great Britain. This will be paid back automatically over the next 5 years.
Water
United Utilities provides drinking water for Heywood and Middleton area. United Utilities provides several ways to help reduce and manage your water bills. Please visit their website here.
United Utilities operates a WaterSure Tariff for those on a water meter, in receipt of certain benefits, who live with children, or where a member of the household has a medical condition that requires the use of a significant amount of water. In addition, they have in place several ways they can assist people who are struggling to pay. You can access the link here.
Alternatively, you can phone them on 0800 072 6765.
Help with paying Council Tax
Rochdale Borough Council provides several ways to reduce your Council Tax. The amount of support you can get will depend on your income and personal circumstances. A full list of these can be found here.
To check your eligibility and make a claim contact at:
Rochdale Borough Council – Claim benefits
You may also be eligible for Council Tax discounts, exemptions and reductions. Please visit:
Rochdale Borough Council – Council Tax discounts, exemptions and reductions
Alternatively, you can call the team on 0300 303 8870 or email them at [email protected]
Broadband and TV
For those on low incomes or in receipt of certain benefits, there are low-income broadband packages available that provide a basic broadband connection with some packages also offering to waive connection fees. For more information about the packages available and to check eligibility please visit Uswitch at
Broadband deals for low-income families
Further advice and information on how to reduce broadband and TV costs is also provided at the Money Saving Expert website at the following link
Broadband & TV Guides
Mobile Phones
Most advisory organisations recommend contacting your provider directly for help if you’re struggling with your mobile phone bill. Your provider may be able to help by sorting a payment plan, reducing your bill, giving you more time to pay, increasing your data or download limit, or moving you to a contract that suits your needs better.
Detailed advice is provided by Citizens Advice in relation to options that might be available if you are struggling to pay your mobile phone bill on their website at
If you’re struggling to pay your mobile, phone, internet or TV bill – Citizens Advice
Alternatively, you can call Citizens Advice Consumer helpline directly for help on 0808 223 1133.
Discretionary Crisis Fund
Rochdale Borough Council operates a Discretionary Crisis Fund to support residents who find themselves in a crisis. Please visit their website to see examples of crisis situations, eligibility, and application details.