Energy Advice & Additional Support
There are many organisations in Warwickshire and Solihull which provide practical advice and help to residents who may be struggling or who would just like some more information for family members, friends or neighbours. Why not pop into a local Warm Hub for a coffee, chat and the chance to find out more about other groups and support that may be available?
Warm Hubs Information & Resource Packs
WRCC has collated information packs for distribution via WRCC’s Warm Hubs and additional events they attend. These packs for 2024-25, along with free carbon monoxide alarms, are currently being delivered to our network of permanent, accredited Hubs. Some of the resources are displayed here.
This is a selection of the contents which may be found in our pack. Downloadable copies of these resources and/or further information can be obtained using the below links.
- Cadent – Carbon Monoxide the Silent Killer
- Cadent – Keeping you Safe and Warm
- Cadent – Priority Services Register
- NEA – Your Home Energy Checklist
- NEA – Dealing with Damp and Condensation
- British Red Cross – Self Kindness Toolkit
- Dementia Connect – Alzheimer’s Society
- Myton Hospice – Patient and Carer Wellbeing Service
- Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service – Safe and Well home check
Plus:
- WRCC Warm Hubs – Thermometer card with practical tips and key contacts
You can also find below a list of national and local websites with resources and contact numbers that may also be helpful.
Please note that the information below may be subject to change and will be updated as and when necessary.
Energy Advice & Cost of Living Support
Cadent, the UK’s largest gas distribution network – and funders of WRCC’s Warm Hubs project since November 2020 – offers a range of practical tips and suggestions to help you minimise energy use, save money and protect the environment. These include adding your details to the Priority Services Register and help with maximising your income by using the Turn2Us Benefits Calculator to check anonymously what benefits you may be entitled to. You can also use Cadent’s IE Hub budgetary tool to help you manage your household finances and budget effectively.
Find out how to protect yourself against poisonous carbon monoxide. If you smell gas, immediately call Cadent via the free 24-hour emergency service line: 0800 111999.
Should your gas supply become interrupted due to a suspected CO leak, Cadent also provides Services Beyond the Meter, which can help those in a financially vulnerable position.
Help for Households – Government Information
You can find updated government information on National Insurance, Energy Bills, Mortgage Payments, Benefits, Disability and Health Support and more that may become available.
The State Pension age is currently 66. Between 6 April 2026 and 5 March 2028 the State Pension age will increase in gradual steps to 67, as set out in the Pensions Act 2014. The Government is encouraging people born between 6 April 1960 and 1970, to use GOV.UK’s online calculator tool to find out their State Pension age. To find out the exact date you will receive your State Pension use the check your State Pension forecast service.
Pension Cr
edit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. Pension Credit can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges. Being in receipt of Pension Credit may also make you eligible for other financial assistance such as Housing Benefit, Winter Fuel Payment and more.
Are you aged 66 or over with caring responsibilities? Even if you’re not paid Carer’s Allowance, you could still receive a Carer Addition payment on top of Pension Credit. To learn more, please visit Carer’s Allowance: How it works – GOV.UK
Winter Fuel payment eligibility criteria for winter 2025/26
- From winter 2025/26, the Government will increase the level at which Winter Fuel Payments are means-tested in England and Wales so that the vast majority of pensioners, around 9 million individuals, will benefit from them.
- Payments will be made to all pensioners in England & Wales – but will subsequently be recovered by HMRC through a charge to income tax from pensioners who are not in receipt of Pension Credit or another relevant means-tested benefit and who have annual taxable income above £35,000.
- The vast majority of Winter Fuel Payments are made automatically without the need to claim – and for those over the new £35,000 threshold, the Payment will be recovered automatically by HMRC via Pay as You Earn (PAYE) for the majority, or in their Self-Assessment tax return for those who already complete one. No one should need to register for Self-Assessment unless they have other income to report, as is always the case.
- More information on eligibility can be found on GOV.UK: Winter Fuel Payment: Eligibility – GOV.UK
An overview of the Winter Fuel Payment may be found here.
The independent energy regulator gives support and guidance with energy bills and supplier queries, making a complaint and other consumer rights, the Energy Price Cap, as well as information about smart meters and ECO support, aimed at improving home heating for vulnerable households.
The national fuel poverty charity has a useful list of resources, including a range of advice and information leaflets and short “how to” guides, eg how much electrical items cost to use, dealing with damp and condensation and using your central heating system.
NEA also runs a wide range of online training courses, aimed at front line workers, including volunteers at Warm Hubs. You can access a power point presentation on Energy Awareness – Fuel Poverty and Reducing Energy Consumption or sign in to access courses for an Introduction to Domestic Energy Efficiency, and Fuel Poverty and Health E-learning through NEA in partnership with the Cadent Foundation.
This national energy charity has more practical advice and information, including “My Home”, energy advice, grants and funding, and advice projects.
This environmental charity offers a free advice line on 0800 988 2881, if you’re struggling with bill payments or need advice on energy related issues – they can also provide home energy checks and have a range of online resources.
Act on Energy can also advise on energy efficient home improvement schemes and retrofit.
BHBH is a longstanding service working to reduce the number of people in fuel poverty and improve domestic warmth & wellbeing. It is coordinated by the National Energy Foundation and involves many other organisations to support this service.
Warwickshire services are working together to help people find the information they need to manage increased household costs. Their Children and Families page gives a wealth of information including Housing, Money and Debt, and Health and Wellbeing. Their Cost of Living Warwickshire webpage will direct you to other sources of help and support.
Warwickshire Foodbanks and Trussell Trust.
Foodbanks provide emergency food, other essentials and compassionate support to people who are struggling with the cost of living.
Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council
Solihull Council’s Here2Help page gives advice on cost of living, staying safe and well, plus other information, along with a further page Here2Help – with Food.
Find a huge range of advice from Martin Lewis and his team, including help on calculating your future energy bills, via this consumer advice site. Plus, you can subscribe to their free weekly savings email.
Additional Contacts & Support
Here are more links to support organisations that may be helpful. This is not an exhaustive list and will continue to be updated.
In the meantime, more information (particularly for local support groups) may be available by visiting any of WRCC’s network of Warm Hubs.
WRCC Energy – oil syndicate for residents with off mains services
WRCC – CFF – Community Food Fleet, home meals delivery service
MIND – mental health support
Warwickshire Fire and Rescue, West Midlands Fire and Rescue and West Midlands Fire Service (Coventry & Solihull) – Safe and Well visits
Warwickshire and Solihull CAVA (Community and Voluntary Action)
We will continue to update this page with additional contacts, information and resources as and when they become available.