Energy prices go up this week
Energy prices are due to rise this week. Ofgem has put up the energy price cap for a typical household by 10 per cent.
The energy price cap is set at £1,717 per year for a typical household who use electricity and gas and pay by Direct Debit. This is compared to the cap set between 1 July to 30 September 2024 (£1,568).
The price cap is based on typical household energy use. Read how typical household energy use is worked out in Ofgem’s average gas and electricity usage guidance.
If you need help with energy costs:
Winter Fuel Payments and Pension Credit
Pension Credit remains underclaimed in Wokingham Borough, with hundreds missing out on thousands of pounds of support. The average claim is worth £3,900 per year.
Claiming Pension Credit is the new way to get £200 or £300 for Winter Fuel Payments (depending on your age) for pensioners. Previously Winter Fuel Payments were made automatically to all pensioners.
These are the Pension Credit eligibility criteria (if in doubt, check as it’s better to ask and not get):
- Single person household – check if your total weekly income is less than £218 per week
- Couple – check if your total weekly income is less than £332 per week
If your income is higher, you might still be eligible for Pension Credit if you have a disability, you care for someone, you have savings or you have housing costs.
If you’re referring this advice to someone who isn’t online, they can call 0800 99 1234.
Free electric blanket tests before winter
Each year about 1,000 fires are caused by faulty electric blankets, with more than 250 injured in these fires.
So we’ve teamed up with Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service to help residents test their electric blankets ahead of the winter.
This will run at Wokingham Fire Station (Easthampstead Road, RG40 2EH) from 9.30am to 3.30pm on Thursday 31 October.
Our Public Protection Partnership team will be there to test electric blankets and small portable heaters.
No booking required, just drop in. There may be a wait on the day.
Council Tax Reductions are available for residents on lower incomes struggling to pay. Households taking home less than £490 a week or £2,125 per month are eligible for 20 per cent or more off. You can check these criteria on our website or start an application.
Help with your energy costs
The Home Upgrade Grant scheme is still open to residents looking to get help with their energy costs.
You can check eligiblity online, but key criteria include:
- Your home is not heated by mains gas which includes oil, coal, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or only electric heating
- And you have a low income or receive certain income-related means-tested benefits
- And your home has a low energy performance rating based on your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
If you think you may match the criteria, you can start an application online.
Free Film and Screen Saturday Club for young people
Know any young people aspiring to start a career in the film industry?
We’re offering a free Film and Screen Saturday Club to help them develop their creative thinking and essential film production skills. Don’t miss out — apply now! The club starts next month!
The Film and Screen Saturday club is for young people from 13 to 16 years, who are from low-income families, looked after children, or have parents or carers who have not been to university. No previous experience in film is required.
It gives them an opportunity to explore film and screen, from production and sound design to visual effects and animation. There are also visits to professional studios, trips to London, and masterclasses with film and media industry professionals – all free to the participants.
The club will run on Saturdays from 12 October for 21 weeks during term time at Wokingham and Bracknell College.
Last year’s participants shared that they not only enjoyed the club, but also learned new skills and made new friends.
Email us at NationalSaturdayClub@wokingham.gov.uk if there is any question.
The Film and Screen Saturday Club is a partnership of Wokingham Borough Council, Activate Learning, British Film Institute, Resource Productions and National Saturday Club, and supported by the Department for Education. It is funded by British Film Institute and National Saturday Club.
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