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Dear resident
We understand that news of rising energy prices and interest rates will cause additional concern for many of you, particularly while we are still in winter and experiencing cold temperatures.
We will continue to do all we can to support all our residents. As well as the information and updates provided in this email, please remember you can visit our Cost of Living website for support and advice on housing, food, fuel and health, as well as details of events taking place across Leeds to support local residents. The Leeds Money Information Centre website also provides lots of useful advice about money, debt, benefits and employment.
As ever, please do what you can to look after yourself and those around you, and if you are able to, help others who may be more vulnerable.
Leeds City Council
#TogetherLeeds
 Help with energy bills
Most households should already be receiving their Energy Bill Support Scheme £400 discount, which is automatically applied to accounts.
If you are on a traditional pre-payment meter, your supplier will issue vouchers from the first week of the month, either through text, email or the post (using your registered contact details). You will need to redeem these at your usual top-up point, such as your nearest PayPoint or Post Office branch. If you haven't received any vouchers or you're struggling to use them, please contact your energy supplier.
For advice to help with energy bills, visit Ofgem's website.
 Additional Warm Spaces funding
There are already 140 Warm Spaces across Leeds, doing a brilliant job of offering a warm, welcoming, inclusive space to anyone who needs it.
Additional funding has been made available to support more venues to provide a Warm Space, and we'd like to ensure everyone in the city can reach a Warm Space within easy walking distance.
Therefore, applications for this funding are particularly encouraged from organisations in the following areas that currently have less provision: North Gipton, Seacroft, central Alwoodley, West Bramley, border of Calverley/Pudsey, Lower Wortley, Farnley, Gildersome, North and South Morley, Woodlesford and Rothwell Haigh.
If you work for an organisation or know of a venue that may be interested in becoming a Warm Space, more information can be found here.
To find details of Warm Spaces near you, please visit leeds.gov.uk/warm-spaces
Free and low-cost activities for people in Leeds
With the cost of living going up, many residents and families in Leeds will be searching for fun things to do and days out that won't break the bank.
Each week, we'll be highlighting some of the best things to do in the city that won't cost too much. Find out more about some February half term activities here: Free and low-cost activities for people in Leeds.
 Voter ID
To vote in person at a polling station at the local elections in May, you will need to have an accepted form of photo identification.
On our photo ID webpage, you can find a list of accepted IDs, as well as information on how to apply for free ID online, in person or by post. This includes the locations of libraries and community hubs across Leeds where you can have your photo taken for free and receive help filling in the application form.
This new ID requirement is only if you want to vote in person at a polling station, it does not affect you at all if you vote by post.
More information can be found on the Electoral Commission's website, or by calling 0800 3280280
 And finally...be part of LEEDS 2023
The LEEDS 2023 team are currently recruiting volunteers to support our Year of Culture. This is a completely flexible role where once trained, volunteers will have the opportunity to book whichever shifts they like the looks of, with no minimum or maximum commitment.
Applications are open until 15 March and can be made on the website here.
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