Help with heating costs

The cold weather is just starting to bite,
remember that there are many sources of help
reduce winter heating costs. These include:

Cold Weather Payments

Winter Fuel Payments

Warm Home Discount Scheme

Energy Efficiency Grants

Warm Front Grant

Warm Homes/Healthy People

From January, the Council hopes to be
providing an enhanced service to vulnerable
older and disabled people – a “Stay Warm
Stay Safe MOT”. The MOT will be delivered
by the Greenwich Handyperson Service,
working with other council colleagues –
including the Welfare Rights Service – and
health and 3rd sector partners.

Residents will be offered a range of advice
and support including checking heating
programmers, bleeding and balancing
radiators, installing ‘easy’ thermal efficiency
measures and appropriate advice, including
benefit checks. As a follow up, eligible
vulnerable residents will be referred for more
in depth assistance (such as free loft and
cavity wall insulation) and to Warm Front for
grants for heating provision. This will be
coupled with a responsive service offering
emergency heaters and emergency heating
repairs. An application has been made for
government funding to support this project
and at the time of writing a decision is still
awaited.

Money Advice Healthchecks

January is a period when financial realities start to hit home after the excesses of the festive season and
many clients may now be approaching you for advice. The Money Advice Service is a free independent
advice service which was set up by the government and is funded by the financial industry. They can
provide free online money advice healthchecks which may be of assistance to your clients. These aim to
give people a clear picture of their finances, help them to make the most of their money and provide a
tailored action plan – the check is available at: https://healthcheck.moneyadviceservice.org.uk.
The Service also has a telephone advice line (0300 500 5000 or Typetalk 18001 0300 500 5000 – open
weekdays 8am to 6pm) and online information and advice – www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk.