Fight back How to keep damp and mould at bay
NEWS WHAT’S BEHIND THE
Welcome
We Brits are a sturdy bunch, aren’t we? We just seem to get on with whatever the world throws at us. Just as we thought the after effects of the pandemic was clearing, the new normal seems worse. Energy prices are in flux, and it’s those of us on the lowest incomes who feel the rises most.
The problem is these things hurt.
While ‘those who can’ will keep a stiff upper lip and crack on, the rest of us slowly start to drown. A lifebelt might appear but it could be too late. Prevention is better than cure, and reducing our bills wherever we can is key.
“Reducing our bills wherever we can is key”
WHY DO ENERGY PRICES KEEP CHANGING?
All of us will have seen reports over the last couple of years about rising energy prices. We’ll also be wondering if our own bills are ever going to stop going up.
But why did prices start to rise?
It’s because demand for energy grew as countries around the world got back to full speed after the Covid slowdown.
At the same time, supplies of energy were down. Gas piped from Russia was already in short supply and the war in Ukraine piled even more pressure on.
Gas is also used to produce about 40 per cent of our electricity in the UK, which is why bills for both energy sources are affected.
The energy price cap is the maximum price suppliers can charge per unit of energy on a standard
Jeff, Managing Director editor@quidsinmagazine.com
tariff. It’s reviewed four times a year now, up from twice a year previously.
The cost for a typical home using gas and electricity, paying by direct debit was £1,568 per year from July to October. Rising by 10% on Oct 1st, it went up to £1,717 per year and is set to rise again in January 2025. But remember, the price cap is not a cap on our total bill. It’s a cap on the cost per unit of energy – the more we use, the more we’ll pay. And we pay the standing charge no matter how much energy we use – currently 61p per day for electric and 32p for gas.
Quids in! says We still haven’t returned to a world where we can save a lot by switching suppliers or getting a price fix. For now, the best way to save on energy costs is to use less around the home. This guide, and quidsinmagazine.com, have all the tips we need to be energy smart!
Turning down the thermostat just one degree makes a big difference. But it’s one of a number of options, all explored in this special edition of Quids in! And if you’re inspired, you could see how much more you could shave from your spending with our quick and simple Future-Proof Finance quiz. Visit qimag.uk/quiz Cashing in Time to get smart about managing bills Page 6
©Quidsin!
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• Address 14 St James’s Parade, Bath, BA1 1UL Tel 0845 646 0469
• Editor Jeff Mitchell Email editor@quidsinmagazine.com
• Design Joe Burt Website wildsparkdesign.com
• Head of Business Development Lisa Woodman Email lisa.woodman@cleanslateltd.co.uk
• Contributors Maggy Owen Email quidsin@cleanslateltd.co.uk
• Office Manager Dan Fineman Email daniel.fineman@cleanslateltd.co.uk
© This magazine may not be reproduced in part or full without prior written permission The publisher (Clean Slate Training & Employment CIC) makes every effort to ensure content is correct at the time of going to print. We have no political allegiances, and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher or editor. Any relationship with advertisers or sponsors is always on the understanding that we
For a couple of years, there haven’t really been any energy price fixes that work in our favour. That may be changing now, and if fixing on a price deal with our supplier would make us feel better about knowing what we’ll have to pay, it may be worth considering. If we’re looking at deals or shopping around we need to compare prices with the current and next energy price cap. We can check out moneysavingexpert. com for more detailed advice on this.
Capping bills 25 top tips to make sure we keep a lid on costs Page 15
Our purpose
SHOULD I DO IF
I
JUST CAN’T PAY? WHAT
● Worried about the bills landing on the doormat?
Here’s what we need to know
The first place to turn if we’re struggling with energy bills is our supplier. They can check if there’s a cheaper tariff we should be on and help make sure we can pay. There could also be a grant available.
It’s important to make contact. If we don’t try to work out an arrangement, they may threaten to cut us off. But help is out there.
BENEFIT CHECK
There is financial help for those who are struggling most but, more and more, it is means-tested. People on the lowest incomes are assumed to be on benefits, so these are often the gateway. If we’re older, we should check if we can claim Pension Credit, and possibly Attendance Allowance. Working age people should start with Universal Credit. Even if we’re in work, tax credits and support for low-pay earners may apply.
Many people are put off by complex rules and the process for applying, but it’s too costly not to try. Use our online calculator at qimag.uk/qibenscalc, which also highlights any additional support we might be entitled to. Not everyone is online, so advice and support agencies are there to help. With changes to the rules for some support, charities are primed to help us get what we’re entitled to.
WARM HOME DISCOUNT SCHEME
WINTER FUEL PAYMENT
The government recently made this means-tested, so older people need to be on Pension Credit. If we are, support could be worth £200 and £300 to help cover winter fuel costs. As mentioned above, we need to see if we can apply for benefits that can lead to other support, if we’re struggling.
COLD WEATHER PAYMENTS
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We don’t get the money directly, £150 is taken off our electricity bill direct or we receive a prepayment voucher. It may also be possible to have the discount off our gas bill instead. If we’re on a low income but haven’t received a letter about this from the government, we should contact the Warm Home Discount helpline on 0800 030 9322 before the end of February. If we’re in Scotland and on a low income contact our supplier to apply for the discount. More here: qimag.uk/whd
Claimants of certain benefits will receive £25 if local temperatures drop to freezing or below for seven days in a row. This applies between November and March. In Scotland, it’s the Winter Heating Payment and is worth £58.75, paid as a one-off payment by the end of January. Visit: qimag.uk/ qicoldweather
HOUSEHOLD SUPPORT FUND
The Household Support Fund is a budget managed by local councils to help with the cost of essentials. They decide how to spend its share of the fund locally, so contact them direct for details.
“Fuel Banks hand out fuel vouchers to those of us who qualify”
FUEL BANKS
Fuel Banks generally work from food banks and work along similar lines, providing emergency help. They are aimed at people with prepayment meters and provide vouchers to top a meter for around two weeks. Contact a Quids in! Centre (if there is one nearby), Citizens Advice, a social worker, GP or other support organisation who can refer us to a food bank or may be able to offer us a fuel voucher directly. There’s a full list of groups that work with Fuel Banks and distribute vouchers at www. fuelbankfoundation.org/our-partners/
Quids in! says: Quids in! money coaches, employed by Clean Slate, can provide one-to-one support in some areas or if we work with your landlord. Check here to see if we can help: cleanslateltd. co.uk/contact Or our self-help quiz can guide you to online help: qimag.uk/quiz
HOW TO GET SERIOUS ABOUT ENERGY SAVINGS
Making smarter choices and knowing how much things cost us to run in pounds and pence will cut our bills
As energy prices continue to fluctuate throughout the year, it’s a good time to think about how our choices can help us keep a handle on bills.
At Quids in! we’ve spoken about being savvy about our energy use before, but frankly we can never have too many tips for saving.
It’s hard to know which appliances are costing the most to run, but once we understand this a bit more we can make smarter choices around the home.
Frankly,
we can never have too many tips for saving money
Smarter washing ©Quidsin!
Keep your cool
In most homes, the biggest guzzler of energy is the fridge. While we can’t exactly switch it off and on all the time, we can avoid leaving the door open or letting the condenser coil at the back of the fridge get dirty. Both these things mean it has to work harder to get back to temperature –a dusty coil can increase energy use by 25 per cent! And we can also keep our fridge defrosted – even a small layer of ice makes it less efficient.
Overfilling the fridge will also make it use more energy – the air can’t circulate and so the fridge struggles to stay cool. And not all fridges are created equal –an appliance with an A*** rating can save £190 over its lifespan. If our fridge is on the old side and we’re lucky enough to be offered a newer one or spot one secondhand we should snap it up!
Households tend to use their tumble dryer around 150 times a year – at a cost of around £1.50 a go. Even if we have a garden, we’re not likely to get much outdoor drying done during the colder months.
So filling the dryer is more efficient than using it with just a few socks in it, and putting clothes through a spin cycle in the washing machine first will cut the length of time we need to use the dryer. Or we can just dry on an airer more often.
We can save even more by making sure our clothes really need washing before sticking a load on.
According to a report by the Society of Chemical Industry, we’re all washing our clothes too much, harming the planet and our wallets. Not only that, the report says it’s perfectly fine to wear clothes for three or four days before washing them (apart from underwear of course!)
Sniffing, sponging and steaming before we put a load in the machine are all ways to cut the cost of laundry, and they’ll make our clothes last longer too.
Cooking costs
We should choose a pan and a ring that are best suited for what we’re heating – too big or small and we’ll be wasting energy.
Microwaves, slow cookers and air fryers are much cheaper to run than traditional cookers, which can cost £316 a year to run, compared to just £30 a year for a microwave. A slow cooker costs £60 a year and an air fryer just £53 (based on using each one for about 40 minutes per day).
An A*** fridge can save us £190 over its lifespan
Savings on a platter
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There are pros and cons if we have a dishwasher. Pro –we will end up using less water (great when we’re on a water meter). Con – they use a lot of electricity.
The trick is to use it carefully and only switch it on when it’s full. We should look at the programmes and choose one that’s under 50 degrees if possible. This should be enough for most cups, glasses and plates, although it may not be hot enough to wash off bakedon grease.
If we’re shopping for a new dishwasher, getting one with a good energy rating will save us over the long term even though it may cost more initially. And a full-size machine is more efficient than a slimline or compact one.
A
50-degree cycle should be enough for most plates and cups
It’s not just the big appliances we should be thinking about – the humble kettle uses a lot of electricity so we should boil only the water we need each time. Limescale buildup also means it takes longer to boil, so we should keep it as clean as possible.
As the energy price cap fluctuates throughout the year, it’s a good idea to get into money, water and energy saving habits ahead of winter. Smart energy meters can help us form good habits as we can keep an eye on our energy use as it’s happening in the home. We can measure more easily how much we are saving in water and gas/electricity by reducing our shower time by just a few minutes each time. It all adds up.
Follow the Friends of the Earth 50 ways to save on household appliances
Save energy and water
https://friendsoftheearth.uk/climate/50-tips-save-money-your-energy-bills
BILLS, BILLS, BILLS
We can’t choose whether to pay them, but there are things we can do to make them more manageable
When Quids in! surveyed tenants about how money issues were affecting them, half (48 per cent) said they were falling behind with bills and one in five (20 per cent) had run up rent arrears. They told us their mental health was under attack so debts like these, and loans or credit cards, have to be addressed. Or better still, avoided.
The best advice, before it’s too late, is to keep costs down and ensure there’s enough coming in to cover them. Ordinarily, Quids in! would be banging the drum for shopping around and switching energy suppliers to save money.
But at the moment it’s not quite as simple as that. While we might find that we can save
©Quidsin!
money by switching, lots of energy suppliers have gone bust over the past few years so the options we had previously have reduced.
There may be the chance of going for a fixed rate for our energy. This could end up saving us money and could be really helpful if we like to know ahead of time what we’ll pay. But with the energy price cap changing every three months now, it’s harder to say for sure whether a fix is likely to save us money over the long term. We’d need a crystal ball!
Being on top of our direct debts, though, is a must. We need to know when all our bills are going to be paid and do whatever we can to ensure there’s cash in the bank.
One way to relax about this is to have an account just for bills, which could be a deposit, budgeting or jam jar account. Jam jars are a good way to describe these accounts because we put into them what we need to cover all our charges in a month and only use them for that.
Fill them up as soon as the money comes in and then have the direct debits drain the account throughout the month.
LET’S TALK ABOUT ENERGY
Prepayment energy meters are a matter of preference – they can allow us to budget more easily and costs are now broadly in line with what direct debit customers pay. And direct debits are not for everyone, if they
go wrong we can end up paying more in bank charges. But with a prepayment meter we’ll need to keep it topped up.
Then there are smart meters, which have some benefits over other meters. We’ll get automatic meter readings and so we’ll be billed for what we’ve actually used rather than relying on an estimate.
“With the energy price cap changing every three months now, it’s harder to say if a fix is likely to save us money”
They also show our usage in pounds and pence. We’ll get a gadget called an ‘in-home display’ that shows how much we’re using in real time. So we know exactly how much that load in the tumble dryer has cost us.
Armed with this info, it’s a smart idea to put aside a couple of quid when we know we’ve used a lot of energy around the home. We can put this towards the bill, when it’s time to pay. Or maybe we could put away a smaller amount of cash each day, for the same reason.
And knowing which appliances cost most also lets us work out how to cut bills by deciding what to use and when.
Welcome to the WIN!
Cost of Living Survey!
The Quids in! 2024/5 Cost of Living survey is your chance to tell us how money worries affect you. This quick survey will inform our work and help make Quids in! even better. The easiest way to complete it is online at tinyl.io/BhsI, or fill in these two pages and send a photo of them using WhatsApp or SMS at 07548 627303, or post it to QUIDS IN!, 14 St James’s Parade, Bath, BA1 1UL. How ever you get your survey to us, we’ll enter you into a prize draw to win £300 of shopping vouchers! Entry closes 31st January 2025. (See quidsinmagazine.com for T&Cs).
ABOUT YOU
1. Which of the following apply to you? (Tick all that apply)
■ I am past retirement age and retired
■ I am past retirement age and working
■ I am working age and full-time employed
■ I am working age and not full-time employed
■ I am working age and not able to work (eg, due to disability, illhealth or caring/childcare responsibilities)
2. Thinking of everyone living with you, what is your household’s weekly income, whether benefits or earnings (after tax, but including any housing benefit even if it is paid direct to your landlord)
■ £218 or less ■ £219 - £260 ■ £261 - £385
■ £386 - £442 ■ £443 - £507 ■ £508 or more
■ Don’t know
3. When it comes to using the internet, which of the following apply to you? (Tick all that apply)
■ I cannot access the internet
■ I borrow a device
■ I use a PC at a café, library or community centre
■ I have a PC, laptop or tablet at home
■ I use my smartphone
■ I use WhatsApp for messaging
■ I often run out of data/don’t have data on my phone
■ Broadband/4G/5G connection at home is poor or unreliable
■ I can ‘google’, upload photos, watch videos AND post comments (only tick this if all are true)
■ I check my emails every day/most days
YOUR MONEY
5. How confident are you about managing your money?
■ Not at all confident
■ Confident with a few things
■ Pretty confident
■ Very confident, but there are a few things I’m not sure of
4. Which of the following apply to you? (Tick all that apply)
■ I k now for sure I’m getting all the benefits I’m entitled to
■ I would know where to find help if I had money problems
■ I feel certain my money will last until I next get paid
■ I feel sure I could keep food on the table if my income stopped or decreased for a few weeks
■ I k now exactly how much money goes out each month and how much my rent payments are
■ I check my bank balance every day
■ I cut costs by finding deals when buying clothes/essentials
■ I feel confident I can afford my utility bills
■ I use an online switching service or comparison website, for example for insurance or broadband
■ I feel confident to say ‘no’ if someone pressures me into something that’s not right for me
■ I feel happy using direct debits and I know when they go out
■ I am free of debt and rent arrears, or I’m taking action to deal with them
■ I have ID documents and I know where to find them
■ I want to make more money and have a plan to do so
■ I open all my post every day
■ I k now how much money I have coming in every month
■ I set aside money for savings every day or every week
■ I feel totally happy about what happens if my income goes up
■ I plan ahead money-wise for holidays, birthdays, Christmas, etc
■ I can do my banking in-branch or at a community hub
■ Taken sick leave from work
■ Cancelled home contents insurance
■ Used a comparison service to switch and reduce bills
■ Taken steps to reduce energy usage and cut bills
■ Missed out on occasions with friends/family
■ Completely confident
©Quidsin!
6. In the last year, due to money worries, have you? (Tick all that apply)
■ Skipped meals
■ Stopped paying for broadband
■ Fallen into rent arrears (or fallen further into arrears)
■ Fallen behind or struggled to pay bills (not rent)
■ A sked for a gas/electricity prepayment meter
■ Started using cash more to manage finances
■ Felt my performance at work suffered
■ Had to turn off heating despite it being cold
■ Had difficulty keeping up with payments on debts
■ Felt frightened, anxious or depressed
■ Had arguments with friends and/or family
■ Become physically ill
■ Faced serious financial problems
■ Turned to a loan shark or an unofficial lender
■ Felt unable to treat my kids to something they wanted
■ Had to turn to a food or fuel bank and/or applied for a hardship grant
■ Visited moneysavingexpert.com or money blogger website
7. With regards to state support, which of these apply to you?
■ I claim Universal Credit ■ I do not claim anything
■ I claim other working-age benefits ■ I receive a pension
■ I claim Attendance Allowance ■ I receive Pension Credit
8. Which of these forms of support are you aware of/claim?
■ ■ Council tax/rates support or reduction
■ ■ Discretionary Housing Payment
■ ■ Priority Service Register for utilities
■ ■ Social tariffs for broadband/mobile
■ ■ Free internet data and computer devices
9. If you needed to replace something like a washing machine, costing £300, how would you do it? (Tick all that apply)
■ With a credit card
■ From savings or income
■ Borrow from friends or family
■ Would do without
■ A loan company that I know, which will call at my home
■ From a store that offers credit
■ From a second-hand shop
■ A pproach a charity or a grant-making body
■ A sk my local council
■ Pay-day loan
HELP AND ADVICE
12. Have you needed advice about any of the issues below in the last year? (Please tick all that apply)
■ Debts of any kind ■ Earning more money
■ Insurance ■ Budgeting and making ends meet
■ Benefits ■ Housing
■ Borrowing money ■ Savings ■ Mental health
13. Did you go to anyone for money advice in the last year?
■ Bank/building society ■ Friends/family
■ Power/water supplier ■ Citizens Advice or debt charity
■ Professional debt adviser ■ GP
■ Didn’t need advice ■ Didn’t know where to go ■ No one
■ O ther (please specify)
14. If you got money advice, how good was the service you received?
■ E xcellent ■ Very good ■ Good ■ Poor
MORE ABOUT YOU*
10. Banking: Which statements apply to you (in the past year)?
■ I was refused a service (eg, account, loan or overdraft) and I don’t know why
■ If I’m unhappy with my bank/lender I know who to speak to
■ If something went wrong, my bank would sort it out
■ I don’t feel safe making payments online
■ Due to branch closures, I can’t do my banking easily
11. Which of the following do you have and which do you use?
■ ■ Savings account
■ ■ A private or work-based pension
■ ■ Credit card
■ ■ Bank account
■ ■ Basic bank account
■ ■ Online banking/banking app
■ ■ Private health care
■ ■ Credit union account
■ ■ Pay-day loan
■ ■ Store card, catalogue or items you owe money on
■ ■ Loan from someone who approached you at home
■ ■ Cheque cashing services
■ ■ Pawnbrokers
■ ■ Home contents insurance
15. If you get Quids in! magazines, emails or guides do you find the advice useful?
■ All the time ■ O ften ■ Sometimes ■ Not really
16. In relation to Quids in! magazine, Quids In Readers Club or any of our guides, which of the following do you agree with? (Tick all that apply)
■ I have read articles from Quids in! magazine, Quids In Readers Club or Quids in! guides
■ I have visited quidsinmagazine.com
■ It made me realise I’m not alone in my situation
■ It makes me think more carefully about my finances
■ It prompted me to look after my money more carefully
■ I would now think twice about high-interest loans
■ I learnt what is happening to my benefits/pension
■ Af ter reading something, I realised I might need help
■ Af ter reading something, I decided to get help
■ Af ter reading something, I got help
■ I acted on advice I read in Quids in!
*Please provide your details so we can contact you if you win our prize or if you would like to hear from us about money tips or further research
Name Name of landlord/who owns your home
©Quidsin!
Address
How many of the following are living with you?
Tel/ Mobile Email
Would you be interested in taking part in future research – sometimes paid? Yes ■ No ■ Would you like to receive money information and tips from Quids in! via email? Yes ■ No
Please contact me by: Post, I’m not online ■ Email but send a text alert ■ Email, I check it regularly
Who couldn’t use a few extra quid right now?
Take a money health-check to reveal ways to boost your bank balance
The Future-Proof Finance Quiz is online and open to anyone anywhere. Try it out. Can you boost the health of the cash in your pocket? It asks simple yes/no questions and nothing too personal. Based on your answers, it guides you through your next steps towards being better off. Visit: qimag.uk/quiz
©Quidsin!
Are you near one of our Quids In Centres?
Do you live in London, Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset or Gloucestershire, or are you a Stone water tenant? If so, come and see us! We can walk you through the Quiz and help you choose the best ways to give your finances a lift.
Visit here to find exact locations and times www.cleanslateltd.co.uk/contact or ‘Sign Up’ and a member of our team will be in touch. We are also running workshops - take a look at our website for more details.
FIGHTING
BACK
As we prepare for winter we have to be extra vigilant against damp and mould in our homes.
It doesn’t just look and smell bad - black mould can have a serious effect on our health as well, so it’s time to step up the action.
With very small amounts of mould, it’s sometimes fine to wipe it off ourselves. But the spores that are released can be really bad for us. So if we have breathing problems or a long-term illness then it’s better if we leave the mould for someone else to tackle.
Then we should try to get to the bottom of what’s causing the damp or mould. If we’re sure we don’t have a leak that’s letting water in, then it’s likely to be caused by condensation (see the box below).
To keep condensation at bay, look at the Quids in! list of dos and don’ts on the right.
©Quidsin!
Damp and mould in the home can harm our health. But we can take steps to stop it in its tracks
APPLIANCE OF SCIENCE
Following the Quids in! tips should keep condensation to a minimum. But if not, we could find a dehumidifier helps.
These are electrical appliances that suck the moisture out of the air before it has a chance to form condensation. They start from around £40 but we need to get one big enough for the room in question. New dehumidifiers aren’t too expensive to run, coming in at around 5p an hour for a small one to 12p an hour for a bigger model.
KNOWING OUR RIGHTS
A budget alternative is a moisture absorber. These aren’t electrical, but contain crystals that draw in moisture. They’re typically under £10, but they only last for around three months before having to be replaced. If condensation isn’t the problem, the
moisture may be getting into our home because of a fault in the building. That could be a leaky roof or a loose window. It could even be coming in through the insulation.
In this case, we should tell our landlord ASAP and they must act to fix the problem.
Not only that, but our landlord should also make sure our home is free from health hazards – including damp and mould.
Since summer 2023 a law has been in place in England and Wales to make sure landlords act quickly when we report things like damp, mould or hazards. They’re not allowed to blame us for causing the problem.
In Scotland, there are guidelines for landlords but it is not the law.
But most landlords want to make sure our homes are safe. So we should report problems as soon as they arise and press for them to act quickly to sort it.
Driving you up the wall? The causes of mould…
Why are so many homes blighted by the black stuff on walls and windows? And why does the problem get worse in the winter?
Well, when steam or moisture hits a cold surface the moisture can settle and cause mould to grow. That’s why we’re more likely to see it in rooms that are harder to heat or in colder corners of our home. Sometimes it can be worse on the
north side of a building, as this will get less sun throughout the year.
Mould and damp can also build up in places that are harder to see or get to. That could be behind furniture or under wallpaper. In this case we might notice a musty smell before we see anything.
We might see excess moisture as condensation on our windows or window sills. It’s created when we cook, shower
and dry clothes inside. It’s even caused by our houseplants and when we breathe!
A small amount of condensation is normal, but we should keep an eye on it to make sure the problem isn’t getting any worse.
Moisture could also be getting into our home via a leaky window or roof. Groundwater can seep up into our homes too if we have poor insulation.
HELP FROM YOUR LANDLORD:
If we follow the Quids In! mould busting tips but still experience problems with damp or condensation in our home we should ask for help from our Landlord.
⚫ If we are a council tenant or a tenant of a housing association contact them and let them know about the damp or mould issue in our home. We should contact our Housing Officer as soon as possible to discuss the problem in the property. Housing teams review each case and help us to address and prevent damp and mould in our homes.
DO...
✔ Keep lids on pans when cooking
✔ Open windows if we’re doing something that creates steam
✔ And use an extractor fan too (if we have one) wherever there’s steam
✔ Keep doors closed to contain the steam in one room
✔ Have window vents open (these are little mechanisms on modern windows that let more air in and out)
✔ Open windows on each side of our home for at least a few minutes a couple of times a day
✔ Leave gaps between walls and furniture to let air flow around the room
✔ Try to heat cold spots
✔ Keep the home warm
✔ Dry clothes outside if possible
DON’T...
✖ Let the temperature drop below 15C in any room
✖ Dry clothes over radiators
✖ Block off air vents
✖ Over-fill cupboards and wardrobes (this stops air from flowing)
⚫ If we are in private rented accommodation we should report it to our landlord. If we are worried about eviction, we should contact our nearest Citizens Advice Bureau to get advice first.
⚫ If we are a homeowner we should seek advice from a specialist damp and mould surveyor to find out the source of the problem if the mould keeps coming back after safely treating it with a recommended spray which we can buy in most supermarkets.
Quids in! Best Buy *
Rated No. 1 by Trolley. co.uk, the UniBond AERO 360º Moisture Absorber simply sucks damp out of the air. Watch water fill the trap, diverted from walls and surfaces. Visit: amzn.to/4hG1Li6
*Proceeds support Quids in! work to support people in hardship.
SAVE WATER, SAVE CASH
We’ve
all heard about water pollution in our rivers and seas, but many of us are struggling to pay our water bills, and this gets far less attention.
Charges for water vary around the country depending on where we live. Some areas cost more than others. Many of us struggle to pay our water bills but there is help available from our providers.
The Consumer Council for Water in the UK says only one in four customers are aware that water companies have schemes that can reduce the water bills for those who are struggling to pay.
entitled to and the level of support on offer differs from company to company. In some cases, our bills could be cut by as much as a staggering ninety per cent.
If we’re struggling, we should contact our water company and discuss the options available to us. Tariffs and schemes can be different depending on the area we live in - but if we don’t ask, we won’t know what help we could get.
"Our bills could be cut by as much as a staggering ninety per cent"
Every Water company in Wales and England offers reduced tariff schemes for struggling households. What we are
©Quidsin!
In Scotland, where there is only one water company, water bills are included with our Council Tax bills. We should check if we're able to apply for a Council Tax reduction.
Reductions may also be available
for those of us on low pay or receiving benefits, or if we’re in a high Council Tax band. We might also get help with our water bills through the WaterSure scheme. This applies if we need to use a lot of water for medical reasons or have a certain number of school age children. We need to be claiming benefits and have a water meter (or are waiting for one to be installed).
What should we do if we can’t pay our water
If we are struggling and need help paying our water bills here are some steps we can take.
• Talk to our water company and explain we are having trouble paying the bills.
• If we are on a metered supply, we can cut water wastage to help lower bills.
• If we are not on a metered supply, we can switch to a meter which is free to have fitted, or appeal if we think
our property rateable value, (how our bills are worked out), is too high.
• If we have already swapped to a meter and our bills go up, we can ask to swap back to an unmetered supply within the first 12 months.
The good news is that while we can’t switch our water supplier – we’re locked in to using the water and sewerage company that supplies our area – almost
bill?
all water suppliers offer some sort of help.
And if we’re struggling but not on benefits, help is still available. This can be anything from providing repayment plans, discounts or even a cap on how much we pay.
One million households are now receiving help with their water bills, which is predicted to rise to more than 1.4 million in 2025.
WATER SAVING TIPS
Showers Reduce shower times or set a timer. Water saving shower heads are great for reducing the amount of water we use, and reducing our bills too. Some water companies provide these for free and could save a family of four around £200 per year.
Our water habits have changed hugely since our grandparents’ day. They used just 20 litres of water each per day. Today, on average, we use an eyewatering 150 litres! If we’re on a water meter, we really can cut down our use and save money. If we’re not on a meter we can still make savings by following these tips:
The Toilet Save-a-flush gadgets. We can buy or get these from our Water company but a homemade one is just as effective. Fill up a two litre plastic fizzy drinks bottle with water and place it inside the toilet cistern. This will prevent it from filling up and save water when flushing. For a family of four, this could save us around £35 per year.
Drips Fix leaks. Check for dripping taps, cistern leaks in the back of loo bowls and find and fix other possible leaks to prevent money going down the drain, literally!
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Washing machines
Always have a full load and use a shorter washing cycle on the machine - unless the clothes are grubby.
Taps Turning off the tap when brushing our teeth is simple but effective. Running taps to temperature? Fill up empty bottles or jugs while you wait for it to heat up. Use this water around the house to water plants, for pet drinking bowls or for boiling the kettle. Don’t run the tap - turn it off when cleaning and use a wash bowl to rinse out cloths. Save your washing up throughout the day for one wash. Instead of washing up as we use cups and plates, save it up and do it in one go to reduce the amount of water and washing up liquid.
Save Water Save Money is a handy website that directs us via our postcode, to our own Water Company. A quick questionnaire will tell us how to save more water and we may get a free water saving gadget sent to us too.
PENSION PERKS...
OR PAIN
Don’t Miss Out: Pensioners
Losing Cash as Winter Fuel Payments Axed
Many pensioners in the UK are struggling to pay their bills, even though there’s loads of unclaimed cash available. The government has axed Winter Fuel Payments for older people who aren’t claiming Pension Credit. This means thousands could be left in the cold this winter.
A whopping 850,000 households aren’t claiming Pension Credit, even though they might be eligible. That’s an extra £3,500 a year that’s going unclaimed! Pension Credit isn’t just extra cash – it’s the key to other benefits. If you don’t claim it, you could be missing out on up to £8,000 a year.
A whopping 850,000 households aren’t claiming Pension
Credit
WHAT IS PENSION CREDIT?
Pension Credit is for people who’ve reached State Pension age and are on a low income. It’s separate from the state pension and Universal Credit. If you were on Universal Credit but have now hit pension age, you need to switch to Pension Credit.
There are two parts to Pension Credit: Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income to a minimum of over £200 for singles and £330 for couples. If your income is higher, you might still get Guarantee Credit if you’re a carer, have a severe disability, or have other specific needs. Savings Credit is for those who’ve saved a bit or own their home. You could get nearly
£20 extra each week if you hit pension age before 6 April 2016.
To claim, head to GOV.UK or call 0800 99 1234.
DISABILITY BENEFITS
Pension Credit can also unlock other benefits like Attendance Allowance. It’s worth thousands a year, for those needing help with personal care. You might also qualify for Severe Disability Premium, adding up to £5,644.60 a year. Claim by calling 0800 731 0122.
HOUSING BENEFIT
LOAN SHARKS
The Illegal Money Lending Team tackles loan sharks. Call anonymously on ✆ 0300 555 2222, text LOAN SHARK and your details to 60003 or email them at reportaloanshark @stoploansharks.gov.uk.
In Wales call ✆ 0300 123 3311 or email imlu@cardiff.gov.uk Scotland: ✆ 0141 2876 655, or email loansharks@glasgow.gov.uk
CREDIT UNIONS
Credit unions are not-for-profit organisations that provide bank accounts, loans and savings. They may help people the banks won’t. To find your local credit union call
✆ 0161 832 3694 or visit www.findyourcreditunion.co.uk.
BENEFITS
• People with disabilities or carers should contact the Disability Benefits Centre (✆ 0345 605 6055) . For Child Benefit/tax credits: Inland Revenue (✆ 0845 300 3900).
• Council Tax and Housing Benefit is dealt with by your local council.
• Benefits calculator qimag.uk/benecalc
• Pensions Service: ✆ 0800 99 12340
• Age Cymru Advice ✆ 0300 303 44 98
• Age Scotland Helpline ✆ 0800 12 44 222
• Age UK England ✆ 0800 678 1602
DEBT ADVICE
For free debt advice and help, contact any of the organisations below.
• National Debtline ✆ 0808 808 4000 www.nationaldebtline.org
Many on Pension Credit can get their rent paid in full through Housing Benefit. You could also get Council Tax support, saving you hundreds each year.
OTHER PERKS
Pension Credit also brings health perks, like free NHS dental care, help with glasses, and free prescriptions for over-60s. Travel costs are slashed with a Senior Railcard and free off-peak bus passes once you reach pension age. And, when you hit 75, you can get a free TV licence.
Claim what you’re entitled to and keep your home warm this winter.
useful numbers
Centres
Worried about the cost of living and making ends meet?
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• StepChange Debt Charity ✆ 0800 138 1111 www.stepchange.org
• Citizens Advice www.citizensadvice.org.uk. In Wales call ✆ 08444 77 20 20 England call ✆ 08444 111 444
• Citizens Advice Scotland www.cas.org.uk. ✆ 0808 800 9060
• Debt Arrangement Scheme (Scotland) www.dasscotland.gov.uk ✆ 0300 200 2770
Do you live in Bath, Bristol, Stroud or London? Pop along and see us at one of our drop-ins – we can help you maximise your income and bring your costs down. Average financial gains £1224! If you can’t get to a drop-in but would like some light-touch support with budgeting and money guidance, add your details at www. cleanslateltd.co.uk/remote-support.html and we’ll get back to you. Or use our enquiry form at www.cleanslateltd.co.uk
For the full list of drop-ins, visit www.cleanslateltd.co.uk/contact
Gas and electric costs are criminal and with the kettle, for one, being a repeat offender, it’s time to lay down the law. For over 13 years, Quids In! readers have shared their top tips to beat the bills. How are we gonna eat, if everything goes out on what it takes to run a home?
10DRY your laundry outside instead of using the tumble dryer
11DON’T dry clothes on radiators. It makes your boiler work harder
12KEEP filters clean in your tumble dryer, if you have no choice but to use one
In The Kitchen
Only fill the kettle with as watermuch as you actually need
1SAVE power by putting lids on saucepans when cooking and use the right size of cooking ring for your pan
13HANG or fold clothes up after drying them so they will need less ironing. If you’re going to iron, they iron more easily when still slightly damp
Limit
the time you spend in showers
Heating
THECAPPING BILLS
2ONLY fill the kettle with as much water as you actually need. (It can cost 12p a time to boil a full one, so not long before we’re saving pounds). Same with boiling vegetables on the hob – only use just enough water to keep your veggies covered
3AVOID putting hot food in a fridge or a freezer. Let it cool first
4KEEP your fridge at around 3°C to 5°C and save electricity by regularly defrosting your freezer
5DON’T leave the fridge or freezer door open longer than you need. Move them away from cookers and direct sunlight where possible
6WHEN replacing electrical goods look for an ‘A’ energy rating. Buy only the size you need
Laundry
25 ways to keep the lid on soaring bills
Put A Plug In It
14ENERGY saving light bulbs last up to 10 times longer and cost less to run. And of course, remember to turn off the lights when not in use
15UNPLUG your mobile phone or games console from the socket when it has charged
16SWITCH appliances (including your TV) off standby
©Quidsin!
7USE a full load in a washing machine. Half loads waste energy. (Even an A-rated machine costs 27p per wash)
8CHOOSE an economy programme on your washing machine whenever possible
9WASH your clothes on a lower heat. Most detergents now work well at 30°C or even 20°C
17SIZE does matter. The smaller the TV, (like most electrical items), the cheaper they are to run
18NEVER leave taps running, or even dripping
19LIMIT wash times in the shower to save water (to help the environment) and usage of the boiler (to save on cost). Ten minutes in an electric shower can cost 44p or more
20AVOID heating an empty home. Set the heating to come on 30 minutes before getting up or arriving home. Likewise, have it switch off 30 minutes before going to bed or leaving for work
21 TURN your heating down by 1°C, this can cut your energy use by 10 per cent
22KEEP your radiators clear, don’t put anything in front or on top of them
23CONSIDER putting radiator panels behind radiators fixed to external walls
24BLOCK all draughts around the house to stop heat from escaping and use heavy curtains during the winter. Keep them drawn after dark
25IS your water too hot? Your boiler thermostat should be set at 60C°
Smart meters can help us watch what we’re spending. Literally. They display the usage and the cost as we turn things on.
[Costs are just a guide. See: www.confusedaboutenergy.co.uk]
Your boiler shouldthermostat be set at 60°C
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