Simple ways to SAVE ££££££s on your bills

THERE IS GOVERNMENT SUPPORT AVAILABLE FOR YOUR ENERGY BILLS - AND BEING SMART CAN ALSO HELP SAVE YOU HUNDREDS OF POUNDS

Over the last year, the UK Government has given people unprecedented support with rising bills, especially following the increase in the cost of living - and although they should ease as we move into summer, many households are eligible for further help.

Since October, the Energy Price Guarantee has limited the amount every household can be charged per unit of gas and electricity - and that will remain until June. That means due to the Energy Price Guarantee and Energy Bills Support Scheme, the Government has covered around half of a typical household energy bill this winter, saving around £1,500 by the end of June.

People on means-tested benefits will automatically receive £900 in cost of living payments (split into three payments across the next 12 months). Pensioners who usually receive Winter Fuel Payments in November and eligible disabled people will receive automatic payments worth £150 this summer.

There are now more than 40 schemes to help with the cost of living. See what you could be eligible for at: gov.uk/helpforhouseholds

"All these measures make a real difference"

Nicole Ratcliffe, 41, lives in Manchester with her husband and their two young daughters. Here, she shares how she took steps to save money.

"Both my husband and I work from home, so if we had the heating on all day, it would have cost us a fortune, so the first thing we did was turn the thermostat down from 21°C to 19°C.

"It seems silly to waste money to heat the house when you can put an extra layer on. All of us have our own blankets for snuggling up and watching TV. What's funny now is that, as the warmer weather comes in and we don't really need them, the girls still want 'their' blankets to cuddle up in.