If you are having difficulties paying for housing, you should contact your landlord, housing association or mortgage company. 

The following Housing Associations have support available for their tenants:

If you face losing your home, speak to our Housing Advisors.

Alternatively, visit the government website for additional advice.

Help with your bills:

If you are struggling to pay your council tax or need to speak to our housing advisors, please call us 0300 373 3730.

if you are on a low income, you may be eligible for a grant towards the cost. Find out if you are eligible for a grant. 

If you are struggling to pay your energy bills, your energy provider can help. The best thing to do is to contact your supplier as soon as possible. 

Step Change provide a list of energy supplier grants.

The government website also has a wide range of information to help with your energy bills. 

Citizens Advice can provide help and support:

  • Allerdale 01900 604735.
  • Carlisle (for debt and ongoing enquiries) 03300 563037.  For new enquiries 0808 278 7844.
  • Copeland and Whitehaven 01946 693321.
  • Millom 01229 772395.

If you're struggling to pay your bill, need help with arrears, or receive benefits and use a lot of water due to ill health or having a large family contact the United Utilities Affordability Team on 0800 072 6765 

United Utilities - difficulty paying your bill

If you are aged 60 and over and struggling with the cost of heating your home you may be eligible for a grant of up to £250. To apply, please contact:

  • Age UK Barrow 01229 831425 ‎
  • Age UK Carlisle and Eden 01228 536673
  • Copeland Age and Advice Service 01946 552166
  • Age UK West Cumbria (Allerdale) 01229 779711
  • Age UK South Lakeland 01539 728118

Libraries in Cumberland offer free access to computers and have free Wi-Fi. Libraries in Carlisle, Whitehaven and Workington also offer regular databank drop-ins with the Good Things Foundation where you may be able to pick up a free SIM card (eligibility criteria apply).  Please contact your library for the next surgery date.

If you have broadband at home, could changing your provider save you money? Cheaper broadband and phone packages. Social tariffs: Cheaper broadband and phone packages.



Home improvements and energy saving

We provide a range of housing, home improvement and warm home grants. Some of these are discretionary and a legacy from previous councils. Harmonisation of grants across Cumberland is ongoing:

Websites for disabled adaptations in the home:

The Carlisle area has a Homelife service which provides a range of home improvement grants including a grant for people with dementia.

Information and advice for warm homes:

Cumbria Fire provide home safety checks.


Staying warm

Warm spots 

A warm spot offers a warm, welcoming space for people to visit this winter if they need it. They are run by a range of different organisations including churches, village halls, local councils and libraries.  Find your nearest warm spot

Staying warm advice and support.