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The latest news from the world of personal finance plus advice for those trying to make the most of their money.

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Money Box: How to apply for help paying your energy bills

07/05/2022

How to apply for help paying your energy bills

BBC Radio 4 - Money Box, How to apply for help paying your energy bills

What help is there for the estimated 6.5 million households living in fuel poverty?

People struggling to afford energy bills are often advised to contact their supplier. We've been finding out what help is available.

According to the charity National Energy Action 6.5 million households are now living in fuel poverty which is up 50% on October last year. Fuel poverty is defined differently across the UK, but if you cannot afford to heat your home to the temperature needed to be healthy then you are in fuel poverty. People struggling to afford their energy bill are always advised to contact their supplier. We've been finding out what help is available.

A report has highlighted the need to ensure low-cost flood insurance is available for those on lower incomes. According to the Resolution Foundation more than 1-in-3 of the lowest income households would like contents insurance but cannot afford it. It says as floods become more common in the UK more people could lose out financially. The government says everyone should have access to affordable flood insurance. The Association for British Insurers says there are already some low cost home contents insurance products for those in social housing and that it's looking at ways to improve financial inclusion. We'll speak to the Chief Executive of Flood RE which is a scheme designed to help insurers offer cheaper cover to those in flood-risk areas.

How will final salary pensions be affected by high inflation? The pensions consultancy XPS estimates that people on these pensions could be worse off by £7000 over the rest of their lives as inflation rises above the caps. We'll find our more about their research.

And what does the new Bank of England interest rate rise to one percent mean for your personal finances?

Presenter: Paul Lewis
Reporter: Dan Whitworth
Researcher: Sandra Hardial
Editor: Jess Quayle

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