Council partners with charity to support residents facing cost of living pressures

Beat the cold

Published: Monday, 15th September 2025

Cannock Chase Council has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting local residents through the ongoing cost-of-living crisis by extending its partnership with the energy advice charity, Beat the Cold, until 31 March 2026.

With rising energy costs continuing to place significant pressure on households across the District, the Council recognises the importance of providing accessible, trusted support. Beat the Cold brings more than 20 years of experience in delivering practical energy advice and has established itself as a reliable partner across Staffordshire.

This initiative is being funded through the Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) allocation for 2025/2026, totalling £988,573. By working together, the Council and Beat the Cold aim to ensure that residents can access the advice and assistance they need during these challenging times.

They offer energy saving advice to keep your home feeling warmer for less. As well as the following support.

-    Help with energy supplier regarding energy debt.
-    Signpost and refer to partner agencies to maximise people’s incomes.
-    Assisting clients to manage their energy accounts properly and appropriate to their needs.
-    Support clients to access and apply for Priority Services Register / Winter Fuel / Cold Weather Payments / Fuel and foodbank vouchers (when available).
-    Access local authority and government schemes for eligible applicants to improve their properties with insulation, Air Source heat pumps and Solar PV. Helping bring down energy costs.

Councillor John Preece, Portfolio Leader for Environment & Climate Change said “As we head into autumn and with energy price increase announcements, it is important that our residents know what help is available to them.  With the rising cost of heating, people will struggle to keep their homes warm this winter. Beat the Cold will help those who live in or are at risk of fuel poverty. I am so pleased we are continuing working with Beat the Cold to help our residents.”

Councillor David Williams, Portfolio Leader for Community Wellbeing said "When vulnerable residents are cold at home, they face serious health risks alongside discomfort - particularly our elderly residents and families with young children. I'm delighted that we continue to partner with Beat the Cold, an exceptional charity that consistently goes above and beyond for our residents during these challenging times."

Fiona Miller, Chief Executive Officer for Beat the Cold said “We are delighted to be working with Cannock Chase Council once again. We know first-hand that many residents continue to feel anxious about rising energy costs and can turn to unsafe consumer practices such as severe energy rationing or even self-disconnection. This can lead to worsening of health conditions, and can be especially dangerous for vulnerable people including over 65’s and under 5’s. Our team can support with advice around keeping your energy affordable, whilst still protecting you from risk, so please don’t hesitate to reach out.”

The council have a dedicated webpage which gives advice, as well as signposting to agencies that can help.

https://www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/council/your-community/help-cost-living-crisis

You can contact Beat the Cold on 01782 914915 or visit www.beatcold.org.uk

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