IT HAS been a really mixed bag of casework this month and I am learning all the time about the different types of problems that local residents are facing.

Personally, I like to get out and meet people so they can show me what’s worrying them and explain so that I can then explain more easily when I try and sort out the issues for them.

In this vein I have been walking footpaths, sitting in people’s houses having a cup of tea, talking to people in the street while shopping or while working in the heart foundation shop, or even in my wellies in the villages looking at potential slurry pits.

I have managed to get new signs ordered for Northover Drive where the sign is missing and Thorndun park drive where the name has been spelt wrong but they take several months from order to delivery, I am told.

Most recently local councillors and staff have been working towards potential problems for people in the coming month over the cost of living crisis, all three councils, town, district, and county are working on plans to help people with the money and facilities they have at their disposal and more information will be coming out soon, I can promise you that we are not all sat twiddling our thumbs.

I have done some research on the help that is coming from the national Government in the form of the energy bill support scheme and thought you might find it helpful to know what to expect.

Every household is entitled to a £400 grant towards their energy costs this winter and it will be paid as a credit to your energy accounts monthly from October, so each month from October to March you will receive between £66 and £67 in your account.

If you have a pre-payment meter and it is smart this will appear in the meter’s screen in the first week of each month or if you have a traditional pre-payment meter you will get vouchers to redeem at the post office or other energy top-up point against your energy top up.

The details of the energy cap help from the Government are due to be out later this month.

From recent casework, if you change your pre-payment meter to a smart pre-payment meter make sure your balance is transferrable immediately or you might have to top up after it is installed and then wait for up to 10 days before it is credited to your new meter.

Just a little word on smart meters, they can only save you money if you are willing to watch when you use the most energy from the readout and make changes to your habits, they will not automatically reduce your bills and your supplier cannot force you into changing your meter although the plan is to roll out smart meters to every household.

If you have problems paying your bill over the next few months, citizens advice is there to help and are available online and over the phone or you can contact your energy supplier.

There are more grants to come including the pensioners cost of living payment which should arrive at the same time as your winter fuel payment as well as targeted help for those on low incomes and certain benefits.

If I can help anyone even with contact details for help from other organisations please ring or email me on 07921574019 and Jenny.kenton@somerset.gov.uk

Written by Cllr Jenny Kenton,
Blackdown and Tatworth
South Somerset District Council