Energy prices will rise in April
Energy prices for residents are due to rise from April.
Ofgem is increasing the energy price cap by 6.4 per cent, meaning a household using a typical amount of gas and electricity will see their bill rise by £111 a year, or £9.25 a month, to £1,849. Wholesale costs and inflation are the reasons given for the price rise.
Visit our help with bills guide if you’re worried about rising energy prices and see your options for support.
Switch and save on your energy bill
Our Big Community Switch scheme could help you save on energy costs. You can get a free quote to see if your bills would be lower and our partners would help you move suppliers at no cost to you.
It uses the bargaining power of big groups to help secure lower prices. It is free to register and you will receive a personalised offer, with no obligation to go ahead.
See how it works on the Big community Switch website. The latest round runs until Thursday 1 May.
One year of Roots Community Store
It’s just over a year since the opening of Roots Community Store, which has made a huge difference locally.
There have been almost 900 visits to the store, helping more than 350 residents with food. It’s saved them thousands of pounds in shopping costs. They’ve also received coaching and other support from local organisations.
The purpose of the store is to support regular users of foodbanks and those that suffer from food insecurity with a sustainable option, providing a shop where they are offered a wider selection of items than a standard foodbank parcel.
There’s a £5 weekly charge and users can select £35 to £40 of goods. Using it requires a referral. You can read more about how it works on the Roots Community Store website.
The joint is headed up by SHARE Wokingham, Wokingham Foodbank and First Days Children’s Charity with support to launch from the council. You can see all your food help options on our website.
Citizens Advice Wokingham puts more in your pocket
Our partners at Citizens Advice Wokingham have got tools to help you with money.
They have two online forms you can fill in to help you plan your spending and make sure you’re maximising your income.
You’ll need some financial information but the free tools below can support you if you’re struggling:
Household Support Fund – few weeks left to apply
If you’re struggling or behind with your finances, there’s still time to apply to the Household Support Fund.
There’s more than £500,000 available to help Wokingham Borough residents through the Household Support Fund this winter. You can apply if you’re struggling to pay for:
- Food
- Bills
- Energy costs
- Other everyday essentials
The Household Support Fund has been allocated by the Department for Work and Pensions to councils in England to pass on money to residents who need it.
The current round covers October 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025. Do not re-apply if you’ve already got a payment recently.
If you successfully applied for a Household Support Grant between 1 April and 30 September 2024, you will automatically get another payment this winter. It will be paid six months after your last payment. You do not need to reapply.
Free debt advice
Get free, confidential and independent advice on dealing with debt problems.
You can also use the Money Helper website to find more free debt advice services.
Guides to get the help you need
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