With millions of households across the UK seeing their energy bills rise as of Saturday (October 1), many of us are trying to find ways to lower the costs.
Recent figures suggest more than 10% of households in England are in fuel poverty, and this is only predicted to get worse.
LEAP is a free service that claims to help "people keep warm and reduce their energy bills without costing them any money".
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The service has a wide network of referral organisations who will refer anyone who is in (or at risk of falling into) fuel poverty. Referral organisations could, for example, include your local food bank, Citizens Advice, health clinic, your rent or housing officer or local authority contact.
What happens next?
After a referral is received, the LEAP team will contact you to discuss your situation. LEAP says it offers "tailored advice and support" based on customers' needs. This can include referrals for income advice and assistance applying for the Warm Home Discount, if eligible.
It also offers help such as:
- Installing simple measures such as radiator panels, LED light bulbs, draughtproofing for doors, windows and letterboxes, cylinder jackets, chimney balloons and TV standby savers
- Providing energy efficiency advice and training on the use of heating controls
- Identifying the need for larger energy efficiency measures and seeking funding
- Fully funded boilers are available to eligible home owners with a broken gas boiler through the ECHO scheme.
- First time gas central heating is available to eligible residents through Connected for Warmth.
- Support with switching energy supplier
- Referring for income maximisation support
- Identifying other hazards and vulnerabilities in the home and making the referral onto the appropriate agency.
- Fully funded White goods are also available through the HEART scheme, during the winter months while funding lasts.
Who can apply?
LEAP has some very broad eligibility requirements. Anyone receiving the following is eligible for its Energy Advice Service:
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income Support
- Pension Guarantee Credit
- Pension Savings Credit
- Child Tax Credit / Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Reductions
A Disability Benefit (including Attendance Allowance, Carer's Allowance DLA, PIP)
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
You are also eligible if you have a total annual household income of less than £31,000.
For more information, or to apply, click here.
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