It's Big Energy Saving Week, a campaign aimed to help people cut their fuel bills and get all the financial support they are entitled to.

Created in response to problems within the energy market, Citizens Advice and the Energy Saving Trust have been sharing information and advice to help people manage their energy bills.

In honour of the campaign, we've had a look at how some Kent councils are supporting those who need help paying essential bills this winter.

Maidstone

Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) is calling on community groups and parish councils to come forward and apply for a new Household Support Grant.

It is aimed at people in their area who need help buying food or paying essential bills this winter.

The Household Support Grant can be used to help with food and bills or living costs such as energy, water, sanitary products, warm clothing, soap, clothing, blankets and boiler service or repair.

It can also be used to buy essential equipment including fridges, freezers and ovens, or it could be used to support other bills including broadband, phone bills and transport related costs such as car repairs, buying a bike or fuel.

Cllr David Burton, leader of the council, said: “This new government grant is there to help those who have suffered financially during the pandemic and can be used to extend the support community groups provide for food and heating to those people most in need.

"Our local community groups and parish councils are best placed to know where the money should go so we are asking them to apply to us for a share of this money.”

Organisations need to apply before the end of January for a share of £63,000 which is to help those householders having financial difficulties following the prolonged effect of the pandemic.

To bid for a part of this funding or for more information email VCSliaison@maidstone.gov.uk for an application form before Monday, January 31.

Medway

Medway Council are also encouraging people to find out about the Household Support Grant.

Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Alan Jarrett, said: “Last October we received £2.262 million from the government’s Household Support Fund to help support Medway’s most vulnerable residents with essential household costs during the winter.

"So far, we have distributed more than £308,000 to residents to help with food, fuel, energy and water bills.

"We have also used the funding to provide free school meals during the winter break to eligible children and have given £150,000 to food charities which support residents.

"We are committed to doing everything we can to support Medway’s most vulnerable residents.”

To find out more, including the eligibility criteria, click here.

Dartford

Dartford Borough Council has been working alongside Citizens Advice to help those needing fuel vouchers.

A spokesperson said: “Over the past 12 months the Council has provided more than £40,000 in grants to Citizens Advice North and West Kent (CA NWK) to help those in need through fuel vouchers and supermarket vouchers.

"These vouchers can be redeemed by residents at PayPoint kiosks and Post Office counters, where they can directly pay for their pre-payment meter and we intend to continue supporting CA NWK.

“Our team are constantly looking to provide new assistance schemes that will add to the support we already provide to Dartford residents to ensure their homes are fuel efficient and there are a range of grants available to help with energy efficiency measures to help reduce energy bills in the long term."

To find out more about various schemes click here.