Winter support

Last year we were able to provide a significant amount of support due to receiving large funds through funding applications, we also had an Energy Advisor in post who was able to provide direct support and advice.

This year it is a bit different, we no longer have an Energy Advisor in post therefore have had to revise what we can offer this year. The funding landscape has also changed and there haven't been as many cost of living crisis funds to apply for. The SFHA (Scottish Federation of Housing Associations) have still been able to provide funds via the Scottish Government so i'm pleased to say that, whilst limited, we do have support available this year for any customers who may particularly struggle.

With any funding we receive we are unfortunately never in a position to provide assistance to everyone, at just under 5000 properties across North and South Lanarkshire we have a significant amount of customers who we support.

To help manage expectations this winter period, we want to be clear that we may not always be able to provide support depending on your circumstances, for anyone that is having energy supplier issues or looking for advice we would recommend you contact Home Energy Scotland or your local Citizens Advice Office.

Home Energy Scotland

Citizens Advice

CVHA Support available

These support offers are only open to CVHA tenants

Fuel Debt relief

We have a small amount of funding in place to support customers with paying up to £300 to help pay off debts. Please note this funding will only stretch to around 20-30 customers. For customers who have large debts we advise you contact your energy supplier, Home Energy Scotland or your local Citizens Advice office for support.

If you would like to be considered for the debt relief support please complete the referral form and a member of our team will be in touch. Please note at this time we cannot give exact timescales but we will make contact by the end of November to notify you if you have been successful.

Fuel Debt Referral Form

Energy Vouchers

Over the winter period if you are at risk of being cut off or are struggling to mange your bills please don't hesitate to contact our Contact Centre Team and request support.

We may not be able to provide support that day but we will always aim to get back to customers within the week.

We will be limited over the Winter period as to how many vouchers we can offer a household, we have limited funds that will not stretch to providing all households with support. We are therefore asking you only contact us if you are about to be cut off or have been cut off from your supply.

These vouchers will be issued by our third party company CHARIS and will come in the form of a code which you will be required to take to a Paypoint station in your local newsagents. We can provide energy voucher codes to those households who have pre-payment meters and cash vouchers to those who have smart meters.

Winter Fuel Payment

If you were born before 25 September 1957 you could get between £250 and £600 to help you pay your heating bills. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’.

The amount you get includes a ‘Pensioner Cost of Living Payment’. This is between £150 and £300. You’ll get this extra amount in winter 2023 to 2024. This is in addition to any other Cost of Living Payments you get with your benefit or tax credits.

Most people get the Winter Fuel Payment automatically if they’re eligible.

If you’re eligible, you’ll get a letter in October or November saying how much you’ll get.

If you do not get a letter but you think you’re eligible, check if you need to make a claim.

Most eligible people are paid in November or December. Find out what to do if you have not been paid.

Other help with heating bills

You could also get:

a Cold Weather Payment - if you get certain benefits and the temperature drops to zero degrees celsius or below for 7 days in a row
the Warm Home Discount - this is a £150 discount on your bills if you get Pension Credit or live in a low-income household
help from the Household Support Fund, if you’re eligible under your local council’s rules - check on your local council’s website

Winter Care

Winter is on the way so its time to think about how you can prevent any issues and save money on your energy bills

Below are some helpful things to think about:

Burst pipes

Last winter many customers experienced issues with burst pipes due to the freeze, its important to know how to turn your water off in these situations. Do you know where your stop cock is? If you had to turn your power off do you know where your isolate switch is? If your answer is no to these questions, it would be a good idea to locate these now rather than during an emergency.

Condensation

Many people struggle with a build up of condensation within their homes, left untreated this can develop into a longer term problems causing mould to grow.
Ventilation is the key factor to prevent condensation, opening windows even in the winter will help reduce the moisture build up in your home. This is particularly important if you are drying clothes within your home.
If you have extractor fans in your bathroom/kitchens, its important to use these, if you don't have one ensure you open windows where possible to let the air in.
If you are able to, buying and using a dehumidifiers or disposable dehumidifier boxes that can sit on your windows will help with the build up of moisture. Wiping down your windows of condensation using towels will also help prevent longer term issues.

Quick tips to save energy

*taken from Home Energy Scotland website

Switch off standby: Any appliances you are not using switch them off overnight, you can save around £55 a year by doing this
Draught proof your home, even if your home is new you can lose heat around your windows and doors
Turn off lights when not using them and switch bulbs to LED
Careful with your washing: Reduce the amount you are using your machine and use a 30degree cycle instead of higher temperatures
Avoid using the tumble dryer when you can
Spending less time in the shower can help save up to £65 a year
Swap baths for showers if this is an option
Be savvy in the Kitchen: Avoid overfilling kettle, turn off appliances when you are not using them
If you have a dishwasher, only use it once its full
Heat the person and not the home. Think about saving on heating bills by buying an electric throw and layering up

These are not full proof solutions but any little steps we can all take will help keep our homes in good condition and keep our bills low.

Home Energy Scotland

The cost of living crisis and the increase in energy prices are worrying for everyone, Home Energy Scotland can help with free impartial advice on saving energy, keeping warm at home and providing advice around accessing services that can help with financial aid.

Home Energy Scotland can also provide a home energy check to help you lower your bills and create a more comfortable home.

Home Energy Scotland

You can call free on 0808 808 2282

Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am - 8pm and Saturday 9am - 5pm

@HomeEnergyScotlandSC on Facebook.

Local Authority Contact Details

North/South Lanarkshire Council

If you are a resident of North or South Lanarkshire Council, please regularly check their websites for support available and contact details for services.