Help with bills
Get better deals and practical help to save money on the cost of running your home.
Reducing your utility bills
Gas and Electricity
There is a lot of uncertainty in the market and you should check with your supplier that you are on the best available deal.
- Switch tariff or supplier to save money. Use a comparison site recommended by Ofgem.
- Take regular meter readings to see how much you use. Consider a smart meter to see daily costs.
- If you are older, have young children, a health condition or disability, ask to go onto the priority services register with your supplier.
For more energy tips visit energysavingtrust.org.uk.
Water
- Find out if your water company offers a reduced tariff for low income households as these can reduce your bills by up to 90% but vary by area.
- A water meter may save you money. Visit water meter calculator to see if you would be better off getting a water meter installed.
Phone, Internet and TV packages
- Use a comparison site to check you are on the cheapest deal. Review your package regularly, only pay for what you need, and cancel old subscriptions.
- Most broadband providers offer social tariffs for people on benefits. Use a comparison site recommended by Ofcom to compare deals and find the best offers.
Food
Food banks and food pantries are community-led, social supermarkets that provide heavily discounted food to people in need. If you are in urgent need of food, please contact your local authority or the Trussell Trust for emergency help. To find your nearest food bank visit trusselltrust.org.
Many councils have schemes to help low-income households. For more information visit your local council website.
Living with cancer and paying bills
If someone in your home is living with cancer, you can get advice on accessing energy schemes and financial grants from Macmillan Cancer Support.
I don't think I would have been able to do this on my own, but Clarion were there to help me.
Michelle
Clarion resident
Our charitable foundation
Clarion Futures can help in lots of ways: from jobs and training to financial guidance and digital skills.
- Money and household bills.
- Jobs, apprenticeships and training.
- Digital skills.
- Mental health and wellbeing.
Switching gas or electricity suppliers
With the current uncertainty in the energy market, it’s probably best to stay on your existing energy deal.
You can check with your supplier if you’re on their cheapest deal, but switching suppliers is unlikely to get you a better deal at the moment.
We’ll continue to update this advice as we know more.
Water bills
Water costs make up a big part of your energy bills. For instance, if you use gas heating, 15% of that bill will be due to water.
Get a water meter
Getting a water meter fitted is free. The meters measure how much water you use, so you only pay for what you use. Your water company can advise you if a water meter is right for your home.
Get help from your water supplier
Water companies offer help for customers with specific needs, including cheaper rates if you’re on a low income, or getting priority water if mains supplies are disrupted.
If you already have a water meter, but are using lots of water because you have three or more children or a medical condition, you can ask your water company to join a WaterSure scheme. This caps your bills, regardless of how much water you use.
Other ways to get help
If you’re on a low income or claiming benefits, you might be entitled to other help like council tax support, help with health costs and free school meals.
- Find out more about council tax support
- Find out if you quality for NHS Help with Health Costs
- Find out how to apply for free school meals
The independent Money Helper website has a simple online budget planner that can be really helpful. It shows what you can afford and how you might be able to save money.
Help for vulnerable residents
If you’re a vulnerable resident, you might be entitled to additional help.
Priority services registers
Your utility supplier can add you to a confidential register for vulnerable people. This means you can get additional help, especially in an emergency.
This might include having meter readings taken on your behalf, ensuring prepayment meters are easy to access, and receiving priority help in a power cut.
Living with cancer and paying bills
If someone in your home is living with cancer, you can get advice on accessing energy schemes and financial grants from Macmillan Cancer Support.
Get support from Clarion Futures
To get support with any of the areas mentioned above, please submit a contact form and one of our Clarion Futures support team will be in touch.
Before you complete the form, please note that:
- You must be a Clarion resident
- Clarion Futures is unable to answer questions about Housing Benefit, Rent changes and repairs.