Outreach advice on fuel bills

Energy bills are a financial burden that affects everyone, but for some people the impact can be devastating.

New outreach sessions in warm hubs across the city have been organised by Citizens Advice to offer people support.

An estimated 6,783 (15.7%) households in Lincoln are living in fuel poverty, which is defined by any person or household that spends more than 10% of their income on their energy bills. 

“We know that cold homes lead to a number of further issues, such as illnesses and damp houses. With the recent cuts of the Winter Fuel Payments, along with the announcement of a 10% rise in energy bills, the support we can offer people feels more invaluable than ever,” said Mollie Davie of Citizens Advice Lincoln and Lindsey.

“We have partnered with Cadent Gas to host energy focused outreach sessions in warm hubs around the city. We currently work with 12 different warm spaces that offer our two energy advisers a space to set up our outreaches during their community sessions for example at coffee mornings or food banks.

“Our advisers can offer support with energy efficiency, benefits, income maximisation, grant searches, debt, the Priority Services Register, carbon monoxide education, along with referring clients into the local office for a range of other issues that we can support with. 

“Our advisers can also refer clients for access to Warm Packs - these are boxes that can be filled with a number of different items that can help keep people warm during those colder months such as electric blankets, hand warmers, draught excluders, hot water bottles and slow cookers. During November and January we will also be holding slow cooker courses alongside GoGro - and will be providing free slow cookers to those who attend.” 

Details on the nearest outreach session you can be found on the posters below.