Thousands of households to receive their share of £9million cost of living help through new scheme – are you eligible?

The Sun

2 hours ago

THOUSANDS of households will receive cash support to help with the cost of living crisis.
Ofgem 's Energy Redress scheme, managed by the Energy Saving Trust, provides cash grants to charities and community groups across the UK.
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It was first launched in 2018 with the aim of supporting vulnerable households with energy bills and carbon reduction.
In the latest round of the scheme, more than £9million in grants has been awarded to 31 charities and community groups in England, Scotland and Wales.
The cash will be divided across the groups, with the charities then using the money to support struggling members of their community.
For example, vulnerable residents in Elgin, Scotland could get help with financial support through the charity Moray Food Plus.
Ofgem has given the group £81,199 to help carry out its home visits, where they offer help with energy bills and a money advice service.
They will also provide energy advice to people in or at risk of fuel poverty.
If you live in the area and think you could avail yourself of the service then you can find out more by visiting, morayfoodplus.org.uk.
Elsewhere, Citizens Advice Liverpool Energy Advice and Support Project has been given £772,091 to offer energy support and financial assistance to residents of the area.
They aim to support 9,500 households in total, targeting those at highest risk of fuel poverty.
The charity will help with home visits and also provide assistance with fuel vouchers and energy efficiency grants.
Families can get FREE washing machines, fridges and kids' beds or £200 payments this summer – and you can apply now
You may not need to apply for this grant as the charity will look at NHS 's vulnerable patient finder tool, EPC and Council Tax data, to identify those at highest risk of fuel poverty.
If you think you are at risk of fuel poverty and live in the area you can contact citizensadviceliverpool.org.uk for more information.
Elsewhere, Citizen's Advice in South West Staffordshire and South East Staffordshire have been awarded £441,435 to help those struggling with bills.
The aim is to provide crisis support and advice on energy efficiency.
If you think you could be eligible, you can ask for more details by visting, citizensadvicessw.org.uk.
You can check out the full list of grants below:
Bath and West Community Energy - £656,258
Derby City Mission Ltd - £91,506
Nadder Community Energy - £70,000
South East London Community Energy - £100,137
Bristol Energy Cooperative - £242,543
Derbyshire Districts Citizens Advice Bureau - £356,199
North Kensington Community Energy - £485,133
South Hams Citizens Advice Bureau - £447,349
Burmantofts Community Projects - £635,086
Grand Union Community Energy - £366,200
Nottingham Energy Partnership - £235,733
Swindon and District Citizens Advice Bureau - £187,996
Caritas Diocese of Salford - £249,658
Greener Kirkcaldy - £272,542
Opening Doors - £47,163
The C.H.E.E.S.E. Project CIC - £158,759
Citizens Advice Liverpool - £772,091
Huntly Development Trust Limited - £127,659
PEC Renewables - £685,121
Age Concern Tyneside South - £104,829
Citizens Advice Mid Mercia - £441,435
Isles of Scilly Community Venture CIC - £147,204
Repowering Limited - £447,070
Age UK Bolton - £210,693
Community Action Northumberland - £303,994
KeyRing-Living Support Networks - £99,205
Rural Cambs Citizens Advice Bureau - £270,000
Ashden Climate Solutions - £89,753
Cwm Arian Renewable Energy - £246,725
Moray Food Plus - £81,119
South East London Community Energy - £100,137
It is worth noting that not every charity offers direct cash grants to struggling households.
For example, Huntly Development Trust Limited will receive £127,659 for its Gartly Moor HDT project.
This aims to develop a 16MW (4-5 turbine) wind farm on Forestry and Land Scotland ground.
Russell Ogilvie, head of enforcement at Ofgem, said: 'This funding, which is a direct result of Ofgem's enforcement and compliance work, shows that when energy companies fall short, we hold them to account and help deliver tangible support for those who need it most.
'From tackling fuel poverty to backing innovative carbon-cutting projects, the Energy Redress Scheme continues to empower communities across Great Britain."
Support if you are struggling
If you are struggling there are ways to get financial support.
For example, cash-strapped families can get access to money through the Household Support Fund (HSF).
The scheme has been extended multiple times with the latest round running between April 2025 and March 2026.
Each council in England has been allocated a share of the £742million fund and can distribute it to residents in need.
Eligibility criteria varies based on where you live but usually help is offered to those on benefits or a low income.
For example, households in .
Elsewhere, households in Wealden District Council can apply for free cash worth £200.
How to cut your bills
IF you're struggling financially, you might be able to cut the cost of your bills to help you get out of the red.
Council tax: You can apply for a council tax reduction on the Gov.uk website but you'll need to meet certain criteria. Your bill could be cut by as much as 100 per cent if you're on a low income or claim benefits. Carers who look after someone in the household for at least 35 hours a week are also exempt from paying.
Water: Households might be able to save money by getting a water meter but it all depends on how much you're using. To check if it's finacially worthwhile, use the Consumer Council for Water's free ater meter calculator.
Rent: If you have the space available and your landlord or local authority says it's ok to do so, you might want to consider getting a flatmate. Not only will you split the cost of the rent, but also the other bills.
Hire purchase: If you're struggling to make your repayments on your hire purchase, you can usually end the contract by returning the goods. You will have to pay all the instalments due up to the time you end the agreement but this will limit the amount you owe. Contact Citizens Advice for free for more help with this.
Gas and electricty: MoneySavingExpert says families can save £330 on average by switching from Standard Variable Tariffs (SVTs) to a better rate. Use a comparison site such as MoneySuperMarket or Energyhelpline to see what deals are available.
Mortgage: If you get into debt with your mortgage payments, don't wait for your lender to chase you. Work out what you can afford using the Citizens Advice budgeting tool so you can discuss your payment options moving forward with your mortgage provider.
Secured Loan: Your secured loan might be covered by the Consumer Credit Act and if it is, you may be able to apply for a Time Order. This is a special agreement by the courts allowing you more time to make payments. Secured loans not covered by the Consumer Credit Act include gas, electricity or water meters, payments that need to be written off in full, mortgages, credit union loans, loans from an employer and some short term trade agreements.
County Court Judgements: If you receive a County Court claim form talk to a free debt advice service straight away. This includes Citizens Advice (0808 800 9060), StepChange (0800 138 1111) and the National Debtline (0808 808 4000).
TV licence: Some households are eligible for a reduced fee or free TV Licence. Check here to see if you are entitled to a reduced or free rate.