Support for energy bills, improving the efficiency of your home and warm and welcoming spaces

The government announced in the Autumn Budget on 28 October a £100 energy payment for eligible households in Council Tax Bands A to D.

We are aware of the announcement; however, we have not yet received official guidance on how the scheme will operate and awaiting further guidance.

As soon as further details become available, we will publish information on our website. In the meantime, there is no need to contact the council regarding this payment.

Please be aware and cautious about unexpected texts, emails or social media messages asking you to apply for the payment, provide personal or bank details, or pay a fee as it could be a scam.

If you are finding it difficult to pay your bills, please contact your energy supplier as soon as possible. 

Further information and support can be found on the Ofgem website.

You could also contact the British Gas Energy Trust, an independent charity that can help - no matter who your energy supplier is.

If you can't afford to top up your prepayment meter

You can get temporary credit if you can't afford to top up your prepayment meter. Visit the Citizens Advice website or the British Gas website for more information.

Warm Welcome in local community buildings

If you're struggling to heat your home, you may find a warm space at a local community building. Please click on the link below to find out more. 

Visit the Warm Welcome website to find one near you.

Home energy support from Hampshire County Council

Hitting the Cold Spots can help with short- or long-term solutions if you're struggling to keep your home warm. Find out more on their website.

Heating oil support

As part of the new crisis resilience fund, launched by the government from April 2026, dedicated assistance is available for low-income households who rely on heating oil and are at risk of running out due to increased costs.

Hampshire County Council will deliver the scheme and prioritise households who cannot afford the minimum cost of an oil delivery and are at immediate risk of losing the ability to heat their home or access hot water.

Residents will be eligible if they:

  • Live full time in Hampshire (excluding those in the Southampton City and Portsmouth City areas)
  • Use heating oil as their main way of heating their home
  • Have 150 litres or less, with priority given to households under 100 litres
  • Are at immediate risk of being unable to heat their home or access hot water
  • Are in receipt of universal credit or pension credit OR
  • Are not in receipt of any benefits but can evidence that they cannot afford the minimum order required for a delivery
  • Have limited access to savings.

Applicants will be asked to provide:

  • Proof of oil heating, such as a recent invoice, bank payment to an oil supplier, EPC, or tenancy agreement
  • Proof of current oil levels, including a dated photo of the tank gauge and tank size if shown as a percentage
  • Financial information, such as bank statements from the last month, recent income details, and any savings.

This information helps to confirm that a household is unable to meet the cost of a minimum delivery. Eligible residents will receive a payment directly into their bank account. The money must then be used to contribute towards the cost of purchasing heating oil.

Apply for support

To apply for support, residents should contact their local Citizens Advice service who administer CRF payments on behalf of Hampshire County Council.

Need more information?

For more information on other support available through the crisis resilience fund, please visit the Hampshire County Council website.

Help with heating costs can also be found on the government's website: 

Watch out for scams

Unfortunately, scammers often take advantage of people who are looking for financial support. We've seen a range of fraudulent schemes, from fake fuel voucher offers to suspicious investment opportunities. Always check that any offer is genuine before sharing personal information or making a payment.

Find out more on the Action Fraud website.

Other energy advice

You can also: