Energy bills & staying warm
Information and advice to help your household stay warm and save money.
If you would like to speak to someone directly regarding your energy issues our phone lines are open 9am (10am Wednesdays) to 5pm, Monday to Friday. You can call us on 01524 582000, or email customerservices@lancaster.gov.uk.
Energy bills & staying warm
Energy Bills Support Scheme
Find out about the Energy Bills Support Scheme and how you can get support this winter.
The Energy Bills Support Scheme provides a £400 non-repayable discount to eligible households to help with their energy bills over winter 2022 to 2023.
Energy Efficiency Ideas & Energy Saving Tips
Saving energy at home isn't just about becoming more energy efficient — it's about learning how you can save money, too.
There are many things you can do to reduce the amount of energy you use in your home. Being energy efficient doesn’t always mean a big change to your routine, it can often take just a few small changes to your lifestyle.
- Find out more: Electrical Safety First
Plus Dane - Coping with the Rising Cost of Living
Important costs like gas, electricity, fuel and food are rising steeply. It's a real worry and is affecting many people across the country. We've pulled together some advice, tips and resources to support you.
Energy Saving Trust
Make your home more energy efficient, reduce your carbon emissions and lower your energy bills.
Home – it’s somewhere you want to feel safe and warm. That involves using energy to heat or cool your property, generate hot water and power all your appliances and devices.
Around 21% of the UK’s carbon emissions come from our homes, as a result.
We want to help you save money on your bills at the same time as reducing your carbon footprint. So, whether that involves being more energy efficient, generating your own renewable energy, switching to a green tariff or insulating your home to keep the heat in.
- Advice and information to help: https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/energy-at-home/
Local Energy Advice Partnership (LEAP)
We deliver the Local Energy Advice Partnership (LEAP) in North Lancashire.
LEAP offers low income and vulnerable households free energy and money saving advice, including:
- Free energy efficiency measures, such as LED lightbulbs and radiator panels
- Support to switch to a cheaper energy tariff
- Help to sign-up for the Warm Home Discount and Priority Services Register
- Advice on simple changes to your habits that can save money
- Benefits check and advice on budgeting and debt
- Referral for grants for larger heating and insulation measures
LEAP is totally free and available to households of any tenure – homeowners, private tenants and social tenants. The eligibility criteria are very broad and can be found here
Advice and information to help: https://greenrose.org.uk/energy-and-money-saving-advice/
Electricity North West
Power cuts can be more frequent in winter due to storms, and we know they can be more disruptive because it's cold and dark. We're here to help you and we've pulled some key information together to support you this winter.
Be winter ready with these simple steps:
- Check out our advice and support section below to help reduce your energy bills
- Keep torches and batteries handy and keep your mobile phone charged in case there's an unexpected power cut
- Keep an eye on weather forecasts and take note of local weather warnings which can cause disruption to power supplies
- Check our power cut pages and write down or save our number - 105 - in case you need to report a power cut
- Check if your landline will still work in a power cut and write down other key phone numbers in case your mobile does run out of charge
- If anyone in your household needs additional support, join our free extra care register
- If you use medical equipment make sure it has a battery backup or manual function. If in doubt, speak to your healthcare professional or equipment manufacturer
Find out more here.
Warm and Welcome Spaces
Locations which will become warm and welcome spaces over the forthcoming months where people can shelter and get information and advice.
Community centres
Skerton Youth & Community Centre
Where : Skerton Youth & Community Centre, King George's Field, Slyne Road, Lancaster, LA1 2JH
Description : On Monday afternoons there is a social group event that offers a lunch for a £3 contribution.
On Tuesdays a food club takes place but that is for collection rather than for a resident to stay.
On Wednesday afternoons there is table tennis and the offer of cooked takeaway meals (a resident does not have to play table tennis to receive a meal).
On Thursdays a club is run for over 55s to have a lunch and play bingo with a small financial contribution.
On Fridays a craft and social club is run again with small financial contribution.
Phone : 01524 380 818
Email : skertoncc@aol.com
Ridge Community Centre
Where : Ridge Community Centre, 2-4, Ridge Square, Lancaster, LA1 3HR
Description : Open Mondays, Wednesdays and the evenings of Friday and Saturday.
Phone : 01524 389 008
Email : lisa@emuesukcic.co.uk
The Centre @ Halton
Where : The Centre @ Halton Low Rd, Halton, LA2 6NB
Description : You are welcome to come and use The Centre as a cosy place to keep warm during Coffee Shop opening hours and stay as long as you need. We have a selection of board games and books or feel free to bring something of your own. There is always a friendly face and someone else to talk to.
Whilst it is in no way required, you might consider purchasing a hot drink or snack. We believe we are very affordably priced at £1.20 for a cup of tea, £1.50 for an instant coffee or just 60p for a slice of hot buttered toast.
The Coffee Shop is open during the following hours:
Monday to Friday 1pm to 5pm
Saturday and Sunday 10am to 5pm
School holidays 11am to 5pm
The Centre has a Changing Places toilet. Please phone in advance if you would like this facility to be available at your visit.
We have a range of activities you may wish to join. Please see our website for further information haltoncentre.org
Phone: 01524 811316
Email: info@haltoncentre.org
Bolton-le-Sands Community Centre
Where : Bolton-le-Sands Community Centre, Packet Lane, Bolton-Le-Sands, LA5 8DW
Description : A coffee morning runs from 9.30am to 11.30am on Thursday mornings. It is £1 for a hot drink and biscuit.
The coffee mornings will end on Thursday 24th November 2022 and begin again on Thursday 19th January 2023.
Phone : 01524 824 588
Email : blescommunitycentre@gmail.com
Stanleys Community Centre
Where : Stanleys Community Centre, 79-83 Stanley Rd, Heysham, Morecambe LA3 1UT
Description : The centre is open for residents from 9am until 3pm Monday to Friday offering drinks and food for free with donations welcome.
Phone : 01524 410 076
Email: stanleyscommunitycentre.info@gmail.com
Barton Road Youth & Community Centre
Where : Barton Road Youth & Community Centre, Barton Road, Lancaster, LA1 4ER
Description : The community café is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10-4 and Thursdays 12-4. Whilst it is in no way a requirement, people may consider purchasing a hot drink or snack.
During cafe hours, we offer various craft and games session. We also have a small library full of books and jigsaws.
The café is competitively priced – around £1.50 for a hot drink.
Phone: 01524 65622
Email: Info@bartonroadcentre.co.uk
The Marsh Community Centre
Where : The Marsh Community Centre, Willow Lane, Lancaster, Marsh LA1 5PP
Description : Monday to Thursday 10.30am – 3pm is open access where people can pop in and get advice and guidance, have a drink and use cooking, laundry and I.T facilities.
Residents are welcome to join in with arts and crafts activities.
Phone: 01524 843 300
Yealand Village Hall
Where : Yealand Village Hall, Footeran Ln, Carnforth LA5 9SU
Description : Yealand Village Hall has a drop in café Coffee Stop on a Monday 10.30 – 11.30 Everyone welcome.
Phone: 01524 782 941
Website: http://yealandvillagehall.org.uk/
Halton Mill
Where : Halton Mill, Mill Lane, Halton, Lancaster LA2 6ND
Description : At the Mill we are happy to offer people the use of our heated atrium, cafe and first floor mezzanine on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9am and 5pm, when Fay from our management team will be in the building.
You can make yourself a hot drink in the cafe (donations welcome but not necessary), and sit and use our wifi, or just bring a book or a game to amuse yourself.
We also have classes including yoga, pilates and meditation in the River Room.
Phone: 07582 789 406
Email: greenelephant@haltonmill.org.uk (Contact Fay)
Out In The Bay
Where : Out In The Bay, 30-32 Claremont Road, Morecambe, LA4 4HL
Description : Out In The Bay are running a 'Winter Warmer' project as of December where people can drop into our hub and access a hot meal during the week.
Email: ellaoitb@gmail.com
LMC The Cornerstone
Where : LMC The Cornerstone, Sulyard Street, Lancaster, LA1 1PX
Description : From 3rd January: The community café is open on Mondays and Tuesday 10am-3pm.
Free wifi, Changing Place for those with mobility issues, fully accessible, board games, community larder etc. Also:
Mondays: 10am – 12 noon Grief Café & 1pm – 3pm Memory Cafe (with music)
Tuesday 10am – 3pm Pay As You Can cafe
Wednesday 1pm – 4pm Social Ease Cafe
Friday 11am – 1pm Men’s Hub (also welcomes women).
Phone: 01524 840027
Email: philcornerstonecafe@gmail.com
Lune Park Neighbourhood Centre
Where : Lune Park Neighbourhood Centre, Ryelands Park, Owen Road, Lancaster, LA1 2LN
Description : Wednesday between 10.30am to 11.30am .
We are offering free warm drinks and snacks.
Registered guide dogs are welcome but pets are not allowed.
Phone: 01524 581280
More Music
Where : More Music, 13 – 17 Devonshire Road, West End, Morecambe LA3 1QT
Description : Sundays 1pm – 5pm. Hot food and live music.
Under 16s must be accompanied.
Phone: 01524 831 997
Libraries
Lancaster Central Library
Where: Lancaster Library, Market Square, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 1HY
Description : Open Monday to Saturday 9am - 5pm, except on Wednesday when it stays open until 7pm. (In November and on 7th December, the library will close at 5pm on a Wednesday.)
Seek permission from staff before consuming hot drinks and food. Free Tea and Coffee facilities will also be available at the library.
Access to toilet facilities are limited.
Phone : 0300 123 6703
Email: lancaster.library@lancashire.gov.uk
Morecambe Library
Where : Morecambe Library, Central Drive, Morecambe, Lancashire, LA4 5DL
Description : Open Monday to Saturday 9am - 5pm, except on Tuesdays when it opens at 1pm and closes at 7pm and Wednesdays when it closes at 1pm. Closes at 4pm on the first Friday in every month.
Seek permission from staff before consuming hot drinks and food. Free Tea and Coffee facilities will also be available at the library.
The library has toilet facilities.
Phone: 0300 123 6703
Email: morecambe.library@lancashire.gov.uk
Heysham Library
Where : Heysham Library 396 Heysham Road, Heysham, Morecambe, Lancashire, LA3 2BJ
Description : On Monday, Tuesday and Friday it is open 9am - 5pm. On Thursday it stays open until 7pm. On Wednesdays and Saturdays it closes at 1pm. On the fourth Tuesday of every month it opens at 10am.
Seek permission from staff before consuming hot drinks and food. Free Tea and Coffee facilities will also be available at the library.
The library has toilet facilities.
Phone : 0300 123 6703
Email: heysham.library@lancashire.gov.uk
Carnforth Library
Where : Carnforth Library Lancaster Road, Carnforth, Lancashire, LA5 9DZ
Description : Closed on Mondays. Open from 9am until 5pm on Thursdays and Fridays. On Wednesdays and Saturdays the opening hours are 9am until 1pm. On Tuesdays it's open from 9am until 7pm.
Seek permission from staff before consuming hot drinks and food. Free Tea and Coffee facilities will also be available at the library.
Please be aware that their is no toilet on site.
Phone : 0300 123 6703
Email: carnforth.library@lancashire.gov.uk
Bolton-le-Sands Library
Where : Bolton-le-Sands Library,Main Road, Bolton-le-Sands, Carnforth, LA5 8DN
Description : On Mondays and Saturdays the library is open from 9am until 1pm. On Wednesdays and Fridays the library is open from 9am until 5pm. On Thursdays the library is open from 9am until 7pm. The library is closed on Tuesdays.
On the first Wednesday of every month the library opens at 10am.
Seek permission from staff before consuming hot drinks and food. Free Tea and Coffee facilities will also be available at the library.
The library has toilet facilities.
Phone : 0300 123 6703
Email: bolton-le-sands.library@lancashire.gov.uk
Silverdale Library
Where : Silverdale Library Emesgate Lane, Silverdale, Carnforth, Lancashire, LA5 0RA
Description : Open 1pm until 5pm on a Monday. Open from 9am until 1pm on Wednesday and Saturdays. On Thursday it's open from 1pm until 7pm.
Seek permission from staff before consuming hot drinks and food. Free Tea and Coffee facilities will also be available at the library.
Please be aware that there is no toilet on site.
Phone : 0300 123 6703
Email: Silverdale.library@lancashire.gov.uk
Halton Library
Where : Halton Library Penny Stone Road, Halton, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA2 6QE
Description : Open from 1pm until 7pm on a Tuesday. Open 9am – 1pm on Wednesday and Saturdays. On Friday it's open from 1pm until 5pm.
Seek permission from staff before consuming hot drinks and food. Free Tea and Coffee facilities will also be available at the library.
Please be aware that there is no toilet on site.
Phone : 0300 123 6703
Email: Halton.library@lancashire.gov.uk
Lancashire libraries
Lancashire County Council's libraries will become warm and welcome spaces over the forthcoming months where people can shelter and get information and advice.
Places of worship
Hope Church
Where : Hope Church,Lancaster, Queen Street LA1 1RX
Description : In December 2022, Hope Church will be open on 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd from 9am until 5pm.
Toilets are available on site.
Hot/Cold Drinks and Baked goods are available.
Some Books and games will also be available.
Email: bayvolunteersmanager@hopelancaster.co.uk
Neuro Dropin at Torrisholme Methodist Church
Where: Torisholme Methodist Church, Norwood Drive, LA4 6LT
Description : On Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am until 2pm. Sitting in the warm building is free. Soup is £1.
If not a member of NeuroDropin, please phone ahead before attending.
Phone: 01524 840 762
Stanley Road Baptist Church
Where: Stanley Road Baptist Church, Morecambe, LA3 1UP
Description : Mondays - 9:30am - 12:30am
We are providing free hot drinks, toasted teacakes and crumpets, and a cup of soup. There are games and activities to keep occupied. We have phone charging points and Wi-Fi available.
Email: steven@stanleyroad.org.uk
St John’s Church
Where: St John’s Church, Yealand Conyers, Carnforth LA5 9SL
Description : St John’s church is open seven days a week. A Friday coffee morning from 10:30am till 12pm offers hot drinks. Hot drinks are also offered on Sundays and Wednesdays after the service. You do not need to attend the services to join us for coffee. The church is warm and everyone is welcome.
Phone: 01524 732 946
Website: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/11654/service-and-events/events-all/
Lancaster Quaker Meeting House
Where: Lancaster Quaker Meeting House, Meeting House Lane, LA1 1TJ
Description : Every Sunday in December, January and February (except Christmas Day) Lancaster residents are welcome to use the Meeting House Social Room to keep warm.
The building will be open 12.30-3pm. There is a selection of board games or you may wish to bring your own. You are welcome to bring lunch or share soup and hot drinks with volunteers. There will be sockets available for phone charging and flasks can be filled with hot water on request.
Phone: 01524 382488
Email: christine@hallfarthing.me.uk
Grace Baptist Church
Where: Grace Baptist Church Skerton, Lune St LA1 2AJ
Description : Every Wednesday 11:00 am until 14:00
Free refreshments including soup and a roll, toast, biscuits, tea and coffee.
Phone: 01524 841133
Email: gbclan@btconnect.com
Website: www.gracebaptistlancaster.church
Trinity United Reform Church
Where: Trinity URC, Ulster Road, Lancaster, LA1 4AH
Description : Just turn up. We have no wifi but are happy for you to charge your laptops, phones etc. We provide newspapers, magazines and board games for your use if you wish - however there is no compulsion, you can bring your own book etc if you prefer, or just sit and look out of the window!
We serve tea, coffee and biscuits in a warm space with a warm welcome.
Thursdays (until March 2023) 10.30am – 1pm
Email: secretary@lancastertrinityurc.org.uk
Website: www.lancastertrinityurc.org.uk
Caton Baptist Church
Where: Caton Baptist Church, 2 Artlebeck Road, Caton, Lancaster. LA2 9RQ
Description : Tuesdays 2pm-4pm
Pop in for free hot drinks and biscuits.
Email: alanwadsworth1@gmail.com
Lancaster Methodist Church
Where: Lancaster Methodist Church, Scotforth Road, Lancaster, LA1 4TE
Description : The Public Living Room is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday (from 6th January) 9am – 12 noon.
There is a community led coffee bar for additional refreshments, snacks etc along with Free Tea/coffee toast.
Fully accessible, free wifi, toilets and accessible toilets, board games etc.
Opportunities for volunteering in the community, training and access to additional support.
Phone: 01524 840027
Email: philcornerstonecafe@gmail.com
Temple of Light Spiritualist Church
Where: Temple of Light Spiritualist Church, 138 West End Road, Morecambe LA4 4EF
Description : Thursday afternoon from 3-5pm in the Sunflower Room.
Anyone attending will receive a hot drink and be offered biscuits. There is a suggested donation of 50p but this is not compulsory. Only if someone can afford it. Kids are free and there are drinks provided for them. There is a play area for children but parents/guardians are responsible for their safety and supervision at all times.
Temple of Light is fully accessible for anyone with disabilities and there is parking for 6 vehicles on the premises. It is also on the 1 & 1A bus route and is around the corner from Morecambe railway station.
Phone: 07981892597 (Sue Evans)
Email: templenews1@gmail.com
Christ Church
Where: Christ Church, Wyresdale Road, Lancaster LA1 3EA
Description : ‘Mingle on Mondays’
Mondays in the Hall from 1-3pm.
Soup lunch, with board games, chat, and hot-desk facilities. (Starting January 9th)
Phone: 01524942105 (Rev'd Carol, the Vicar )
Email: revcarolbackhouse@gmail.com
Supermarkets
ASDA Supermarket
Where: ASDA Supermarket Ovangle Road, Lancaster LA1 5JR
Description: For the over 60s: Soup, roll and unlimited tea and coffee available in the café.
Toilet facilities and free parking.
Phone : 01524 580 780
Lancashire warm spaces grant scheme
This small grant programme has been set up for local organisations and groups within the voluntary, community, and faith sector, as well as for parish and town councils, to support the creation and improvement of warm and welcoming spaces for residents amidst the rising cost of living, focussing on those most in need.
Applicants can apply for funding of between £50-£500.
The grant scheme opened on 18 November 2022 and is an open bidding round with no initial closing date. However, we do encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible before funding is fully allocated.
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and decisions made within a 10-day period, until the funding has been fully allocated.
To find out more information click here.
Email communityconnectors@lancaster.gov.uk if you would like your Venue to be added into this list with all relevant details.
Funding available to support Communities
Lancashire warm spaces grant scheme
This small grant programme has been set up for local organisations and groups within the voluntary, community, and faith sector, as well as for parish and town councils, to support the creation and improvement of warm and welcoming spaces for residents amidst the rising cost of living, focussing on those most in need.
Applicants can apply for funding of between £50-£500.
The grant scheme opened on 18 November 2022 and is an open bidding round with no initial closing date. However, we do encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible before funding is fully allocated.
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and decisions made within a 10-day period, until the funding has been fully allocated.
To find out more information click here.
Help with your bills & how to maximise income
WaterSure Scheme
WaterSure is a scheme which helps some people with their water bills. To apply for the scheme, you must be on benefits and need to use a lot of water either for medical reasons or because your household has a certain number of school-age children. You also need to be on a water meter or be waiting to have one installed.
Who qualifies for WaterSure
To qualify for WaterSure you need to:
- be on a water meter or have applied for one and be waiting for it to be installed, or be paying an assessed charge because it's not possible to fit a meter at your property
- be on certain benefits
- have a high essential use of water
Find out more about WaterSure...
Money Saving Expert - How to Save on your Broadband
Some 4.2 million low-income households are eligible for special discounted broadband packages, according to the latest figures released by Ofcom. But the regulator says only 55,000 households have taken them up, with millions (84% of those eligible) missing out on average savings of £144 a year.
There are six providers - BT, Community Fibre, G.Network, Hyperoptic, KCOM and Virgin Media O2 - that currently offer so-called "social tariffs" to eligible customers on benefits, but the regulator has called on them to do a better job of letting customers know about the lower prices, as well as urging them to make the sign up process as easy as possible.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit supports you if you are on a low income or out of work. It includes a monthly payment to help with your living costs. This site will help you understand what Universal Credit means for you.
If you are currently claiming other benefits why not use an independent benefits calculator to see if you could be better off on Universal Credit? It is important to also get independent advice before you apply. You can find out more about Universal Credit on this site. If you’re ready to make a claim, visit gov.uk/universal-credit/how-to-claim
Council Tax support
Council tax support is a local scheme paid by the council to help certain groups of people pay their council tax.
Anyone who has to pay council tax can claim. However council tax support is there to help people on low income to pay their council tax bill. It is assessed by looking at your:
- household
- any other adults living with you
- personal circumstances
- income
Please note you will not be entitled to council tax support if you have savings of over £16,000 (unless you are in receipt of Guaranteed Pension Credit).
Other help and support
National Government Support
This page will stay up to date with all that the Government is doing to support with Energy Bills during the Cost of Living Crisis.
Home Energy Grants
Use this page to discover all of the Local and National Energy Grants that are available at the moment.
Lancaster City Council - Energy Efficiency Advice
To help your household stay warm and and for top tips on how you can save money on your energy bills please see the links below.
If you would like to speak to someone directly regarding your energy issues please call us on 01524 582000.
Keeping Lancashire Safe, Warm And Well This Winter
As we find ourselves heading into the depths of winter and collectively brace ourselves for what January has to throw at us, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service find themselves in full winter safety campaign swing. This year’s campaign is targeting those vulnerable homes which may find it difficult to keep warm through the winter months.
People can find themselves living in a cold home for many reasons and it isn’t always a financial one. It could be broken or complicated heating equipment, poor insulation, that their property is in a poor state of repair or even their personal misconceptions about the impact cold has on you. Whatever the reason, the cold hard fact remains that living in a cold home isn’t just uncomfortable it can make underlying health problems worse and increase fire risk.
More advice on how to keep warm safely can be found here.
These organisations are independent of the council. Reference to these different organisations is provided for information purposes only. We cannot give any guarantees as to their work and we cannot be held responsible for the quality of their advice and any support you may receive from them. The details included on this page were correct at the time of input, please visit the websites or use the contact details provided if you have any uncertainty around changes to times and days.