Local Government Reorganisation
Hart District Council will join with Basingstoke and Deane and Rushmoor Borough Councils to form one unitary authority for north Hampshire from April 2028
Other household expenses
Find out how to reduce the costs of running your home – from water bills to your phone tariff
Water bills
Citizens Advice has guidance about how to speak to your water supplier if you’re having problems paying your water bill. It includes information about special schemes set up by water companies to help you pay your water bill.
You may be entitled to free water-saving devices and advice from your water supplier to help you save money on your bill. To find out more, visit your water supplier’s website:
Hardship Fund - Water for Life
Southern Water recognised that rising living costs have placed extra pressure on vulnerable households. To combat this, Southern Water’s Hardship Fund was created to provide targeted, relief and assistance for those in crisis or impacted by exceptional circumstances.
More information on Southern Water's hardship fund
To find out if you are eligible, you can call the free-phone number: 0800 027 0800 or email: hereTohelp@southernwater.co.uk
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 at least three school-age children. You also need to be on a water meter or be waiting to have one installed.
You can apply for WaterSure by filling out a form from your water company. if you're unsure about which company provides your water, you can check at www.ccw.org.uk/advice-and-support/households/water-companies
Citizens Advice has more details on WaterSure.
Broadband and phone
If you are on a low income and claim certain benefits, you may be eligible for a social tariff for your broadband. Some providers call them ‘essential’ or ‘basic’ broadband.
The government has worked with a range of Internet Service Providers and Mobile Network Operators to deliver low-cost broadband and phone service packages, called social tariffs, for those on low incomes.
Social tariffs are available for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits, with some providers offering deals from £10 a month.
Visit the Ofcom website for details on social tariffs.
Not all of us regularly switch supplier, but it’s worth comparing as you could save money. Try one of the utility comparison websites.
For further money-saving tips, such as evaluating what speed of broadband you actually need, visit the Broadband Savvy website.
TV Licence
TV Licensing has a Simple Payment Plan for those in financial difficulty.
Qualifying customers can choose from either a fortnightly or monthly payment plan that spreads the cost of a TV licence over 12 months, this means you make smaller payments more frequently, helping you to better manage your finances. The Simple Payment Plan also offers flexibility if a payment is missed, as it can be spread across the remainder of the plan instead of having to pay double the amount next time
TV Licensing accepts referrals to the Simple Payment Plan from not-for-profit organisations and charities such as Citizens Advice. It cannot accept referrals from commercial organisations.