There's help for those who'll struggle to keep warm this winter

Free advice and cash to help you cut heating bills by £140 this winter on offer

There's help if you can't afford to turn up your heating (Rex Features)

There’s £320m up for grabs to help struggling people stay warm this winter. The Government’s Warm Home Discount means those in need could get £140 off the cost of heating their home.

However, there is also free advice available to anyone worried about paying their energy bills.

The Home Heat Helpline gives low-earners financial help and practical advice on managing energy bills and introducing energy-efficiency measures.

Lawrence Slade of the helpline said: “Last year we helped more than 30,000 people access valuable advice and financial support – but we know there are many more out there who could benefit from our help. I urge everyone to think about those around them who may need support, but are too afraid to ask or don’t know where to turn.”

If you know someone who may be in need of help – or if you are struggling to pay your own energy bills, or are worried about being able to afford to stay warm during the coming winter – call the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 336 699 or visit homeheathelpline.org.uk.

You can also call the helpline on behalf of a friend or family member.

Meanwhile, struggling households could be missing out on savings on water bills. Most water companies in England and Wales now offer reduced ‘social tariffs’ for customers on lower incomes, points out the Consumer Council for Water.

If you’re on a water meter but have high usage needs due to a large family or a medical condition, and you also receive income-related benefits, then the WaterSure limits the amount you are charged each year. For details of help go online to ccwater.org.uk/savewaterandmoney/