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
Great British Insulation Scheme
You may be able to get free or cheaper insulation to reduce your home’s energy bills.
You might get support if your home:
- has an energy performance certificate (EPC) of D to G - check your EPC
- is in Council Tax bands A-D in England or A-E in Scotland or Wales - check your Council Tax band
You can be a homeowner, landlord or tenant (either renting privately or from a housing association). If you’re a tenant, speak to your landlord before you apply. You’ll need their permission before any insulation can be installed.
Find out more: Apply for support from the Great British Insulation Scheme
Home Upgrade Grant
The Government’s Home Upgrade Grant is available to residents of the Lancaster district.
The grant amount is dependent on the EPC rating of your property and how it is currently heated but can be up worth up to £25,000 and eligible measures are free for owner-occupiers.
This means that you could get your home winter-ready and the ‘Cosy Homes in Lancashire’ initiative will pick up the bill to help you get warmer, and stay warmer in future for less money
- Find out more: Help with heating and insulation
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.
Lancashire Warm Spaces Grant Scheme 23/24
The Lancashire warm spaces grant scheme 2023/24 is now open for applications. The deadline for applications is 23:59 on Sunday, 3 December. Future application rounds may also run, depending on how many applications are approved in the first round. All interested applicants are encouraged to apply early.
Groups running a warm space can apply for up to £500. The funding can be spent on:
- Equipment
- Energy bills (gas and electric) or meter top ups*
- Premises costs
- Volunteer and organisational training
- Volunteer expenses
- Expenses for light refreshments can be included
- Projects and activities that build resilience
- Organisational staff costs
Further details on eligibility and the application process are available via the following link: Lancashire warm spaces - Lancashire County Council
The Lancashire warm spaces online directory – a publicly-facing map to help residents to search for their nearest warm space has also been relaunched. For further details on how to register to the directory, as well as the support available, please visit: Register as a warm space - Lancashire County Council
Should you have any questions about this year's Initiative, please do not hesitate to contact Lancashire County Council at warmspaces@lancashire.gov.uk. This mailbox will be open during normal office hours.
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 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, Fridays 10-1pm. Open Saturday 5-8pm.
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 £1.30 for a cup of tea, £1.65 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 2pm to 5pm
Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm
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 do not take place in December and begin on the second Thursday in January.
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 Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays when Annie and Nick from the 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)
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
Libraries
Lancashire County Council managed libraries are all warm and welcome spaces, where you can find:
- a warm drink
- a space to sit
- free computers and Wi-Fi
- charging points for your phone or laptop
- events and activities
- help from staff to find information
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.)
Please note that 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.
Toilet facilities available.
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.
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.
Please be aware that their is no toilet provision 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.
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.
Please be aware that there are no on-site toilet facilities.
Phone : 0300 123 6703
Email: Silverdale.library@lancashire.gov.uk
Halton Library
Where : 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.
Please be aware that there is no toilet on site.
Phone : 0300 123 6703
Email: Halton.library@lancashire.gov.uk
Places of worship
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
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/
Christ Church
Where: Christ Church, Wyresdale Road, Lancaster LA1 3EA
Description : ‘Mingle on Mondays’
Mondays in the Hall from 11:30am - 2pm.
A warm welcome with hot drinks and food available. Free Wi-Fi and hot-desking space, plus a children's area.
(Starting Monday 20th November)
Phone: 01524942105 (Rev'd Carol, the Vicar )
Email: revcarolbackhouse@gmail.com
Safe Place @ The Dynasty
Where: The Dynasty Lancaster, Ridge Square LA1 3HR
Description : Thursdays from 10:30 AM -12:00 PM
No Membership is required, feel free to just drop in. Come in and have free tea, coffee, cakes, and biscuits. Volunteers are also here to listen to you!
Join Safe Place Café by dropping a WhatsApp message @ The Dynasty Lancaster Facebook (or just drop in on any Thursday that we open)
Email: info@thedynastychurch.org
Lancaster Methodist Church
Where: Lancaster Methodist Church, Scotforth Road, Lancaster, LA1 4TE
Description : The Public Living Room is open on Wednesday mornings from 10am to 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: simoncornerstonecafe@gmail.com
Trinity United Reform Church
Where: Trinity URC, Ulster Road, Lancaster, LA1 4AH
Description: Thursdays from 10am until 1pm.
Email: secretary@lancastertrinityurc.org.uk
Website: www.lancastertrinityurc.org.uk
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.
The Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund
This funding is for organisations that support people and communities in England under severe pressure because of the increased cost of living.
By community we mean people living in the same local area.
Our main priority is to fund organisations supporting low-income households and individuals.
You can apply for between £10,000 and £75,000. If you need £10,000 or less you could try our National Lottery Awards for All fund.
To apply your organisation must already run critical services around at least one of the following:
- food and emergency supplies – like food and baby banks or the provision of hot meals, clothes or toiletries
- emergency shelter – like night shelters or other accommodation for people experiencing homelessness
- safe spaces – like domestic abuse services and youth services
- warmth – like warm rooms and spaces
- financial and housing advice – like giving people advice because of the increased cost of living.
To find our more please 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.