Support Available for Energy Bills

Solihull residents struggling with energy bills or seeking to improve the energy efficiency of their home are being urged to check if they are eligible for the Household Support Fund.

The Government has provided Solihull Council with £1.4 million for the fifth round of the Household Support Fund, which runs until 30 September 2024. 

In partnership with energy advice charity Act on Energy and Age UK Solihull, Solihull Council is making some of this funding available to support residents with energy costs and help them to make energy-efficiency upgrades to their home.

The Fund can be used to pay towards home upgrades ranging from loft insulation to replacement heating systems, helping residents to lower their fuel bills and reduce their carbon footprint.

Eligible households could receive fuel vouchers of up to £147 through Act on Energy, fuel debt relief of up to £500 through Age UK Solihull, or payments of up to £147 to help towards their energy costs through Solihull Council.

Other support includes energy efficiency advice, boiler repairs and maintenance, essential white goods, clothes and blankets to reduce energy costs and keep people warm.

Last year’s Fund (April 2023 to March 2024) saw 1,518 households supported directly with energy costs and an additional 610 supported in costs associated with energy such as boiler repairs.

Details of what support is available, eligibility criteria, and how to apply is available here.

Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Mark Parker, said:

“Working closely with our partners across the borough, this Fund is helping us to make a real difference by supporting those most in need with vital help towards energy costs and energy efficiency upgrades to their home.

“With cost of living continuing to impact residents, I would urge anyone who is struggling financially to check to see what financial support and resources they could be eligible for and apply before the deadline.”

Please note, applications must be made through the contact method outlined above. For consumer advice or advice on scams, Solihull Trading Standards advise residents to contact Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133.

As well as energy support, the Fund also helps those most in need with support ranging from the cost of essentials, urgent household items, and access to food. Further detail is available on the Council’s Here2Help page.