Latest news with #MatthewSheeran
Daily Record
19-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Millions default on energy bills as debt hits record high - here's how to get help
More than 2.7 per cent of gas and electricity Direct Debit payments failed in April. More British households than ever are defaulting on their energy bills, with new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showing just how tough things are right now. Last month (April), more than 2.7 per cent of gas and electricity direct debits failed because there wasn't enough money in people's accounts. That's the highest rate since records began in 2019 - and three times higher than before the energy crisis hit. At the same time, more people are missing loan repayments, often taken out to cover everyday costs. Nearly 3.9 per cent of Direct Debit loan payments failed last month, compared to just over 2 per cent during the pandemic. Even though the energy price cap has come down slightly this year, millions are still struggling with the impact of last winter's high bills. While the recent unseasonably warm weather means many households are using less energy right now, it hasn't eased the burden for those already in debt. For people who fell behind over the colder months, lower usage now doesn't undo the damage that's already been done. Matthew Sheeran, energy expert at Money Wellness, said: 'These figures are deeply worrying, but they're not surprising. More and more people are facing impossible decisions between heating their homes, feeding their families or keeping up with repayments. 'The good news is that help is available, from supplier grants to debt write-offs. The earlier people ask for support, the better their chances of turning things around.' Financial help to reduce energy debt Here are six practical tips Money Wellness recommends for getting support with your energy bills. Apply for energy grants and hardship funds Most suppliers offer grants to help people struggling with energy bills. These don't need to be paid back and can help clear arrears or reduce future bills. The British Gas Energy Trust, for example, is open to anyone, not just British Gas customers, and has written off thousands of pounds in energy debt. EDF, Octopus, and also run similar schemes. You'll usually need to complete a budget form and provide meter readings and income details. Contact your supplier directly to see what's available. Talk to your supplier as early as possible It might feel intimidating, but the best thing you can do if you're falling behind is speak to your energy company. They're legally required to help you if you're struggling. That could mean a more manageable payment plan, time to apply for grants, or switching to a better tariff. The earlier you get in touch, the more they can do. Look into energy efficiency upgrades Improving how your home uses energy can help reduce bills long-term. The government's Great British Insulation Scheme offers free or discounted insulation and other upgrades if your home has a low energy rating and is in council tax bands A to D. These changes, like better insulation or heating controls, could cut hundreds of pounds a year from your bill. You can check your eligibility online. Get free debt advice and explore ways to reduce what you owe If you've got more than just energy debt, speak to a free, regulated debt adviser who can help. Non-profit organisations such as the Citizens Advice network, Christians Against Poverty and the National Debt Helpline offer free, impartial and confidential advice. Use budgeting tools to stay in control When money's tight, having a clear view of where it's going can really help. Use a free budgeting tool to help you track spending and spot savings. It might also be useful to see if you're missing out on any benefit support or government grants using a free online checker. Many people discover support they didn't know they were entitled to. Small changes can quickly add up and really help. Check if you are eligible for the Warm Home Discount This winter scheme gives £150 off your electricity bill during the colder months. If you get the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit, it's applied automatically. Others on low incomes may also qualify, depending on their circumstances. In England and Wales, most people don't need to apply, but in Scotland, you might still need to contact your supplier. Full details can be found on here.
Wales Online
12-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
UK householders can save hundreds on soaring water bills with seven simple steps
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Householders are being hit by big rises in essential bills that came into force during Awful April, the annual starting point for most financial changes. This includes water charges, which are going up this year by an average of 26 per cent, or £123. That's an average of £10 a month. Severn Trent, the provider for people in Birmingham and the wider West Midlands, has confirmed that a typical metered household bill for combined water and sewerage services is increasing by 27 per cent, or around £9.75 per month. The average bill is rising to £398 a year. But over the next five years, further increases will be in place. Water industry regulator Ofwat says that by 2029/2030, the average annual Severn Trent water bill will be £583. Ofwat has warned, however, that water bills in England and Wales are expected to soar to an average of £2,000 a year by 2050. READ MORE: According to Matthew Sheeran, money-saving expert at Money Wellness, there are practical ways to save hundreds of pounds a year right now, especially if you're on a low income or struggling with the rising cost of living. He said: "Water is essential, but that doesn't mean your bill has to break the bank. Many people don't realise help is available, especially if you're on a low income or benefits. "Social tariffs can knock hundreds off your bill, and simple water-saving tips can make a real difference too. With prices set to rise, now's the time to act. A five-minute phone call to your water company could be the easiest money you save all year." Here are some expert suggestions for reducing your water bills to ensure you're not just being constantly hit by hikes but are doing all you can to manage costs. 1. Apply for a social tariff – it could slash your bill by up to 90% "One of the biggest savings you can make, and one that too many people miss out on, is through your water company's social tariff," explains Sheeran. Every water company in England and Wales offers a social tariff scheme that provides heavily discounted bills for customers on low incomes or receiving means-tested benefits. Some schemes reduce bills by as much as 90 per cent, depending on your circumstances. You might qualify if your household income is under a certain threshold (usually between £20,000 and £25,000), if you claim benefits like Universal Credit, Income Support or Pension Credit, or if you have high essential water use due to a medical condition or a large family. To apply, visit your water company's website or call their customer service line. You usually need to provide some basic information about your income and household situation. Some companies also offer hardship funds or payment matching schemes to help you clear arrears if you have fallen behind on your bill. 2. Switch to a water meter and only pay for what you use If you're not on a water meter, you might be paying for more than you actually use. In some cases, switching could save you over £100 a year and it's usually free to do. Water meters are especially beneficial for smaller households or people who live alone, where water usage is generally lower than the rateable value of the property. Once a meter is installed, you're only charged for the water you actually use, rather than an estimated amount based on your home's size or past usage. Most water companies will install a meter for free if you request one, and there's often a two-year trial period where you can switch back if it doesn't save you money. To find out whether a meter would work for you, try your water provider's online calculator. 3. Fix dripping taps and leaking toilets – small leaks, big bills "A dripping tap might not seem like a big deal, but it can waste thousands of litres of water a year, and if you're on a meter, that's money down the drain," warns Sheeran. A single dripping tap can waste more than 5,000 litres of water per year, and a leaking toilet can waste up to 400 litres a day. That's equivalent to over £300 a year in wasted water if you're on a meter. Regularly checking your taps, pipes and toilets for leaks and fixing them promptly is one of the simplest and most effective ways to bring your bill down. Some water companies offer free leak detection or subsidised repairs. If you're renting, your landlord is usually responsible for fixing leaks, so it's worth reporting any issues straight away. 4. Use free water-saving gadgets to reduce usage effortlessly A lot of people don't realise they can get free water-saving gadgets from their provider, and they're a great way to cut back without changing your routine. Many water companies offer free water-saving devices that are easy to install and can make a noticeable dent in your water usage. These include shower timers to help limit water use to four minutes, cistern displacement bags that reduce the volume used in each toilet flush and tap inserts that maintain water pressure while using less water. Using just a few of these devices could save the average household tens of thousands of litres of water per year, translating into significant savings, especially when combined with an energy-saving mindset around hot water use. 5. Shorten your showers and run full loads only Small daily changes like taking shorter showers or waiting until the washing machine is full really do add up over the course of a year. Cutting your shower time from 10 minutes to 5 minutes can save an average household around £70 a year on combined water and energy bills. The less hot water you use, the less energy you use heating it, so you're saving on two fronts. Running dishwashers and washing machines only when they're full helps make the most of every drop of water. Try to avoid half-loads unless your machine has a specific eco-setting and check the energy label to see how efficient your appliances are. Even better, use eco-cycles when available to further reduce both water and electricity usage. 6. Get the whole household involved – every drop counts "One person saving water is good, but when the whole family gets on board, the savings multiply," Sheeran adds. Encouraging everyone in your home to adopt water-saving habits can make a big difference, especially in larger households. Talk to your children about turning the tap off while brushing their teeth and make sure everyone understands which habits waste the most water. You could even put up reminders in the kitchen and bathroom to keep water awareness top of mind. By making water saving a shared effort, you'll not only reduce your bill but also help future-proof the UK's water supply, something we all benefit from as pressure on resources grows. 7. Seek free debt help if you are struggling to keep up "Water bills are just one piece of the puzzle, and for many households, they're becoming harder to manage," says Sheeran. "If you're falling behind or feeling overwhelmed, don't wait to get help." The free debt and finance help organisation Money Wellness says it has seen a 24.4 per cent rise in water expenditure among the households it supports over the past year, with 23 per cent of customers behind on payments to their water company. That's nearly one in four people struggling to stay afloat. If you are worried about mounting costs, you are not alone and there's no shame in asking for help, Sheeran says. The sooner you speak to someone, the more options you are likely to have. Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp. Join our dedicated community for the latest updates sent straight to your phone as they happen. You can find out more in our Money Saving Newsletter, which is sent out daily via email with all the updates you need to know on pensions, PIP, Universal Credit, benefits, finances, bills, and shopping discounts. Get the top stories in your inbox to browse through at a time that suits you.
Powys County Times
11-05-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Water bills could increase to £2000, here's how to save
Water bills have been forecast to reach £2,000 a year by 2050, as regulator Ofwat has warned that customers in England and Wales will bear the cost of urgent investment in water infrastructure and river clean-up projects. While these upgrades are vital, the financial burden will fall on already stretched households. But according to Matthew Sheeran, money-saving expert at Money Wellness, there are practical ways to save hundreds of pounds a year right now, especially if you're on a low income or struggling with the rising cost of living. 'Water is essential, but that doesn't mean your bill has to break the bank,' he says. 'Many people don't realise help is available, especially if you're on a low income or benefits. Social tariffs can knock hundreds off your bill, and simple water-saving tips can make a real difference too. With prices set to rise, now's the time to act. A five-minute phone call to your water company could be the easiest money you save all year.' Here are Matthew's suggestions for reducing your water bills before the big hikes kick in. 1. Apply for a social tariff – it could slash your bill by up to 90% 'One of the biggest savings you can make, and one that too many people miss out on, is through your water company's social tariff,' explains Sheeran. Every water company in England and Wales offers a social tariff scheme that provides heavily discounted bills for customers who are on a low income or receiving means-tested benefits. Some schemes reduce bills by as much as 90%, depending on your circumstances. You might qualify if your household income is under a certain threshold (usually between £20,000 and £25,000), if you claim benefits like Universal Credit, Income Support or Pension Credit, or if you have high essential water use due to a medical condition or large family. To apply, visit your water company's website or call their customer service line. You'll usually need to provide some basic information about your income and household situation. Some companies also offer hardship funds or payment matching schemes to help you clear arrears if you've fallen behind on your bill. There's a full guide to all the social tariffs here. 2. Switch to a water meter and only pay for what you use 'If you're not on a water meter, you might be paying for more water than you actually use,' says Matthew. 'In some cases, switching could save you over £100 a year and it's usually free to do.' Water meters are especially beneficial for smaller households or people who live alone, where water usage is generally lower than the rateable value of the property. Once a meter is installed, you're only charged for the water you actually use, rather than an estimated amount based on your home's size or past usage. Most water companies will install a meter for free if you request one, and there's often a two-year trial period where you can switch back if it doesn't save you money. To find out whether a meter would work for you, try your water provider's online calculator. 3. Fix dripping taps and leaking toilets – small leaks, big bills 'A dripping tap might not seem like a big deal, but it can waste thousands of litres of water a year, and if you're on a meter, that's money down the drain,' he warns. A single dripping tap can waste more than 5,000 litres of water per year, and a leaking toilet can waste up to 400 litres a day. That's equivalent to over £300 a year in wasted water if you're on a meter. Regularly checking your taps, pipes and toilets for leaks and fixing them promptly is one of the simplest and most effective ways to bring your bill down. Some water companies offer free leak detection or subsidised repairs. If you're renting, your landlord is usually responsible for fixing leaks, so it's worth reporting any issues straight away. 4. Use free water-saving gadgets to reduce usage effortlessly 'A lot of people don't realise they can get free water-saving gadgets from their provider, and they're a great way to cut back without changing your routine,' he says. Many water companies offer free water-saving devices that are easy to install and can make a noticeable dent in your water usage. These include shower timers to help limit water use to four minutes, cistern displacement bags that reduce the volume used in each toilet flush and tap inserts that maintain water pressure while using less water. Using just a few of these devices could save the average household tens of thousands of litres of water per year, translating into significant savings, especially when combined with an energy-saving mindset around hot water use. 5. Shorten your showers and run full loads only 'Small daily changes like taking shorter showers or waiting until the washing machine is full really do add up over the course of a year,' says Matthew. Cutting your shower time from 10 minutes to 5 minutes can save an average household around £70 a year on combined water and energy bills. The less hot water you use, the less energy you use heating it, so you're saving on two fronts. Running dishwashers and washing machines only when they're full helps make the most of every drop of water. Try to avoid half-loads unless your machine has a specific eco-setting and check the energy label to see how efficient your appliances are. Even better, use eco-cycles when available to further reduce both water and electricity usage. 6. Get the whole household involved – every drop counts 'One person saving water is good, but when the whole family gets on board, the savings multiply,' he adds. Encouraging everyone in your home to adopt water-saving habits can make a big difference, especially in larger households. Talk to your children about turning the tap off while brushing their teeth, challenge your partner to beat the four-minute shower timer, and make sure everyone understands which habits waste the most water. You could even put up reminders in the kitchen and bathroom to keep water awareness top of mind. By making water saving a shared effort, you'll not only reduce your bill but also help future-proof the UK's water supply, something we'll all benefit from as pressure on resources grows. Recommended reads: 7. Seek free debt help if you're struggling to keep up Money Wellness, a free debt and money help organisation, has seen a 24.4% rise in water expenditure among the households it supports over the past year, with 23% of customers behind on payments to their water company. That's nearly one in four people struggling to stay afloat. 'Water bills are just one piece of the puzzle, and for many households, they're becoming harder to manage,' says Matthew. 'If you're falling behind or feeling overwhelmed, don't wait to get help.' If you're worried about mounting costs, you are not alone and there's no shame in asking for help. The sooner you speak to someone, the more options you're likely to have.
Western Telegraph
11-05-2025
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Water bills could increase to £2000, here's how to save
While these upgrades are vital, the financial burden will fall on already stretched households. But according to Matthew Sheeran, money-saving expert at Money Wellness, there are practical ways to save hundreds of pounds a year right now, especially if you're on a low income or struggling with the rising cost of living. 'Water is essential, but that doesn't mean your bill has to break the bank,' he says. 'Many people don't realise help is available, especially if you're on a low income or benefits. Social tariffs can knock hundreds off your bill, and simple water-saving tips can make a real difference too. With prices set to rise, now's the time to act. A five-minute phone call to your water company could be the easiest money you save all year.' Here are Matthew's suggestions for reducing your water bills before the big hikes kick in. 1. Apply for a social tariff – it could slash your bill by up to 90% 'One of the biggest savings you can make, and one that too many people miss out on, is through your water company's social tariff,' explains Sheeran. Every water company in England and Wales offers a social tariff scheme that provides heavily discounted bills for customers who are on a low income or receiving means-tested benefits. Some schemes reduce bills by as much as 90%, depending on your circumstances. You might qualify if your household income is under a certain threshold (usually between £20,000 and £25,000), if you claim benefits like Universal Credit, Income Support or Pension Credit, or if you have high essential water use due to a medical condition or large family. To apply, visit your water company's website or call their customer service line. You'll usually need to provide some basic information about your income and household situation. Some companies also offer hardship funds or payment matching schemes to help you clear arrears if you've fallen behind on your bill. There's a full guide to all the social tariffs here. 2. Switch to a water meter and only pay for what you use 'If you're not on a water meter, you might be paying for more water than you actually use,' says Matthew. 'In some cases, switching could save you over £100 a year and it's usually free to do.' Water meters are especially beneficial for smaller households or people who live alone, where water usage is generally lower than the rateable value of the property. Once a meter is installed, you're only charged for the water you actually use, rather than an estimated amount based on your home's size or past usage. Most water companies will install a meter for free if you request one, and there's often a two-year trial period where you can switch back if it doesn't save you money. To find out whether a meter would work for you, try your water provider's online calculator. 3. Fix dripping taps and leaking toilets – small leaks, big bills 'A dripping tap might not seem like a big deal, but it can waste thousands of litres of water a year, and if you're on a meter, that's money down the drain,' he warns. A single dripping tap can waste more than 5,000 litres of water per year, and a leaking toilet can waste up to 400 litres a day. That's equivalent to over £300 a year in wasted water if you're on a meter. Regularly checking your taps, pipes and toilets for leaks and fixing them promptly is one of the simplest and most effective ways to bring your bill down. Some water companies offer free leak detection or subsidised repairs. If you're renting, your landlord is usually responsible for fixing leaks, so it's worth reporting any issues straight away. 4. Use free water-saving gadgets to reduce usage effortlessly 'A lot of people don't realise they can get free water-saving gadgets from their provider, and they're a great way to cut back without changing your routine,' he says. Many water companies offer free water-saving devices that are easy to install and can make a noticeable dent in your water usage. These include shower timers to help limit water use to four minutes, cistern displacement bags that reduce the volume used in each toilet flush and tap inserts that maintain water pressure while using less water. Using just a few of these devices could save the average household tens of thousands of litres of water per year, translating into significant savings, especially when combined with an energy-saving mindset around hot water use. 5. Shorten your showers and run full loads only 'Small daily changes like taking shorter showers or waiting until the washing machine is full really do add up over the course of a year,' says Matthew. Cutting your shower time from 10 minutes to 5 minutes can save an average household around £70 a year on combined water and energy bills. The less hot water you use, the less energy you use heating it, so you're saving on two fronts. Running dishwashers and washing machines only when they're full helps make the most of every drop of water. Try to avoid half-loads unless your machine has a specific eco-setting and check the energy label to see how efficient your appliances are. Even better, use eco-cycles when available to further reduce both water and electricity usage. 6. Get the whole household involved – every drop counts 'One person saving water is good, but when the whole family gets on board, the savings multiply,' he adds. Encouraging everyone in your home to adopt water-saving habits can make a big difference, especially in larger households. Talk to your children about turning the tap off while brushing their teeth, challenge your partner to beat the four-minute shower timer, and make sure everyone understands which habits waste the most water. You could even put up reminders in the kitchen and bathroom to keep water awareness top of mind. By making water saving a shared effort, you'll not only reduce your bill but also help future-proof the UK's water supply, something we'll all benefit from as pressure on resources grows. Recommended reads: 7. Seek free debt help if you're struggling to keep up Money Wellness, a free debt and money help organisation, has seen a 24.4% rise in water expenditure among the households it supports over the past year, with 23% of customers behind on payments to their water company. That's nearly one in four people struggling to stay afloat. 'Water bills are just one piece of the puzzle, and for many households, they're becoming harder to manage,' says Matthew. 'If you're falling behind or feeling overwhelmed, don't wait to get help.' If you're worried about mounting costs, you are not alone and there's no shame in asking for help. The sooner you speak to someone, the more options you're likely to have.
South Wales Argus
10-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Water bills could increase to £2000, here's how to save
While these upgrades are vital, the financial burden will fall on already stretched households. But according to Matthew Sheeran, money-saving expert at Money Wellness, there are practical ways to save hundreds of pounds a year right now, especially if you're on a low income or struggling with the rising cost of living. 'Water is essential, but that doesn't mean your bill has to break the bank,' he says. 'Many people don't realise help is available, especially if you're on a low income or benefits. Social tariffs can knock hundreds off your bill, and simple water-saving tips can make a real difference too. With prices set to rise, now's the time to act. A five-minute phone call to your water company could be the easiest money you save all year.' Here are Matthew's suggestions for reducing your water bills before the big hikes kick in. 1. Apply for a social tariff – it could slash your bill by up to 90% 'One of the biggest savings you can make, and one that too many people miss out on, is through your water company's social tariff,' explains Sheeran. Every water company in England and Wales offers a social tariff scheme that provides heavily discounted bills for customers who are on a low income or receiving means-tested benefits. Some schemes reduce bills by as much as 90%, depending on your circumstances. You might qualify if your household income is under a certain threshold (usually between £20,000 and £25,000), if you claim benefits like Universal Credit, Income Support or Pension Credit, or if you have high essential water use due to a medical condition or large family. To apply, visit your water company's website or call their customer service line. You'll usually need to provide some basic information about your income and household situation. Some companies also offer hardship funds or payment matching schemes to help you clear arrears if you've fallen behind on your bill. There's a full guide to all the social tariffs here. 2. Switch to a water meter and only pay for what you use 'If you're not on a water meter, you might be paying for more water than you actually use,' says Matthew. 'In some cases, switching could save you over £100 a year and it's usually free to do.' Water meters are especially beneficial for smaller households or people who live alone, where water usage is generally lower than the rateable value of the property. Once a meter is installed, you're only charged for the water you actually use, rather than an estimated amount based on your home's size or past usage. Most water companies will install a meter for free if you request one, and there's often a two-year trial period where you can switch back if it doesn't save you money. To find out whether a meter would work for you, try your water provider's online calculator. 3. Fix dripping taps and leaking toilets – small leaks, big bills 'A dripping tap might not seem like a big deal, but it can waste thousands of litres of water a year, and if you're on a meter, that's money down the drain,' he warns. A single dripping tap can waste more than 5,000 litres of water per year, and a leaking toilet can waste up to 400 litres a day. That's equivalent to over £300 a year in wasted water if you're on a meter. Regularly checking your taps, pipes and toilets for leaks and fixing them promptly is one of the simplest and most effective ways to bring your bill down. Some water companies offer free leak detection or subsidised repairs. If you're renting, your landlord is usually responsible for fixing leaks, so it's worth reporting any issues straight away. 4. Use free water-saving gadgets to reduce usage effortlessly 'A lot of people don't realise they can get free water-saving gadgets from their provider, and they're a great way to cut back without changing your routine,' he says. Many water companies offer free water-saving devices that are easy to install and can make a noticeable dent in your water usage. These include shower timers to help limit water use to four minutes, cistern displacement bags that reduce the volume used in each toilet flush and tap inserts that maintain water pressure while using less water. Using just a few of these devices could save the average household tens of thousands of litres of water per year, translating into significant savings, especially when combined with an energy-saving mindset around hot water use. 5. Shorten your showers and run full loads only 'Small daily changes like taking shorter showers or waiting until the washing machine is full really do add up over the course of a year,' says Matthew. Cutting your shower time from 10 minutes to 5 minutes can save an average household around £70 a year on combined water and energy bills. The less hot water you use, the less energy you use heating it, so you're saving on two fronts. Running dishwashers and washing machines only when they're full helps make the most of every drop of water. Try to avoid half-loads unless your machine has a specific eco-setting and check the energy label to see how efficient your appliances are. Even better, use eco-cycles when available to further reduce both water and electricity usage. 6. Get the whole household involved – every drop counts 'One person saving water is good, but when the whole family gets on board, the savings multiply,' he adds. Encouraging everyone in your home to adopt water-saving habits can make a big difference, especially in larger households. Talk to your children about turning the tap off while brushing their teeth, challenge your partner to beat the four-minute shower timer, and make sure everyone understands which habits waste the most water. You could even put up reminders in the kitchen and bathroom to keep water awareness top of mind. By making water saving a shared effort, you'll not only reduce your bill but also help future-proof the UK's water supply, something we'll all benefit from as pressure on resources grows. Recommended reads: 7. Seek free debt help if you're struggling to keep up Money Wellness, a free debt and money help organisation, has seen a 24.4% rise in water expenditure among the households it supports over the past year, with 23% of customers behind on payments to their water company. That's nearly one in four people struggling to stay afloat. 'Water bills are just one piece of the puzzle, and for many households, they're becoming harder to manage,' says Matthew. 'If you're falling behind or feeling overwhelmed, don't wait to get help.' If you're worried about mounting costs, you are not alone and there's no shame in asking for help. The sooner you speak to someone, the more options you're likely to have.
