A NEW scheme has been launched in a bid to help keep Southampton residents warm this winter.

As the cost of living crisis rolls on and temperatures plummet, many people are finding it hard to heat their homes.

A new scheme has been launched in a bid to help struggling residents pay their bills and find support.

The Healthy Homes scheme is Southampton’s affordable warmth programme.

READ MORE: Southampton residents anxious over cost of living crisis

The programme is managed by Southampton City Council and delivered by Southampton’s Environment Centre.

It offers help to reduce bills and apply for energy and water discounts.

It also helps people access funding for home upgrades, including heating improvements, insulation and draught proofing.

Contact on 0800 804 8601 or visit their website.

The council has also launched its city-wide Warm Welcome scheme which provides a list of warm places available to the public in your local area.

READ MORE: Warm banks to launch in Southampton

Leader of Southampton City Council, Councillor Satvir Kaur, said: “We know that the national cost of living crisis is affecting those who can least afford it, with individuals and families across Southampton struggling to pay to heat their homes this winter.

“As a council, we are working to make household energy bills cheaper long-term, with our Healthy Homes energy-efficiency programme and home insulation scheme.

“Alongside this, we’ve launched our city-wide Warm Welcome initiative, offering warm spaces to those struggling the most.”

As well as this, the Welfare Rights and Money Advice team offer support specifically for council tenants.

The team can check if you’re receiving the benefits you’re entitled to and help you create budget plans.

They can also explain which debts should be paid first, advise on resolving debt problems, help respond to court action, and help you can gain control of your finances.

Call 023 8083 233 or email welfarerights.advice@southampton.gov.uk for advice.

The council's online Cost of Living guide can provide information on staying warm and food support, claiming all you can, supporting your mental health, and avoiding scams.

For those that can’t go online or find it hard to navigate the internet, help is at hand at any council library or Sure Start centre, Gateway, or by calling 023 9401 6611 to speak to customer services.

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