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Stay warm, worry less: your one-stop winter support shop is here

Stay warm, worry less: your one-stop winter support shop is here

A round-up of funding and support to help you cover the cost of your energy this winter, plus who to talk to if you're worried about your bills.

If you’re finding it hard to keep up with your energy bills, you’re not alone – there’s lots of support available to help you stay warm and save money this winter.  

Now the clocks have gone back, it’s a sure sign that winter is on its way. We know this time of year can be tough for many residents, with Christmas and rising energy costs creating extra financial pressures.

Our One Stockport Warm & Well initiative is all about making sure that no one has to face this winter alone or in the cold. We’re working with partner organisations and across our Live Well network to ensure you get the support you need to keep warm, stay happy and remain healthy.

That includes the return of our Live Well Warm Spaces, which will be open across the borough throughout winter. These offer a safe, welcoming space to relax, connect with others, and enjoy hot drinks, as well as free Wi-Fi and access to advice and support. Our Warm Spaces are coming to every Stockport library, including Stockroom, and we’re working with partners at Sector 3 to launch even more. Look out for more details coming soon.

Councillor Jilly Julian, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, said:

“We’re committed to helping all our residents stay warm and well this winter with practical advice and support to help you navigate the rising cost of living.

I encourage anyone struggling to check what support you might be eligible for. There’s plenty of help available, so please don’t wait to reach out if you need to.”

Here, you can find information about support and funding to make paying your energy bills a little easier, and advice on who to talk to if you’re worried about your bills.

Help to make your home more energy efficient

Making improvements to your home could reduce your energy use and bills. You could get funding to help cover the costs.

Check if you’re eligible for:

  • Connected for Warmth – households who meet certain criteria can get a free heating system, plus energy bill support for people with specific health conditions
  • the Boiler Upgrade Scheme – homeowners can get money towards the cost of replacing a fossil fuel heating system with a greener alternative
  • the Energy Company Obligation – households who receive certain benefits can get help from their energy supplier to make their home more energy efficient

If you’re not eligible for any of these schemes, don’t worry. Visit the Your Home Better website for advice on making energy efficiency improvements to your home.

Homeowners can also use the government’s free online tool to get tailored energy-saving recommendations.

Help to pay your energy bills

If you’re an older resident or get certain benefits, you can get help from the government to cover the cost of your energy. Find out more on Stockport Council’s cost-of-living hub.

You can also get help through the council’s Department for Work and Pensions-funded Household Support Fund, which is available until 31 March 2026. Visit the council’s dedicated webpage to learn how we’re using the fund to support you this winter.

If you’re in a financial crisis, do not wait to get help. The council’s resident advice and support team is here to help and support you with energy bills, debt, benefits and urgent assistance. Call them Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm, on 0161 474 2140.

Help if you’re in energy debt

Speak to your energy supplier if you’re in debt or struggling to pay your energy bills. They must work with you to agree a payment plan you can afford.

You might be able to get a grant from your supplier to help pay off your debt. These suppliers offer grants to their customers:

Grants from the British Gas Energy Trust are open to anyone, even if you’re not a customer.

Visit Citizens Advice for more information about what to do if you’re behind with your energy bills.

More support

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