Free and impartial advice is now available for County Durham residents wishing to save money on their energy bills.

Durham County Council’s ‘Managing Money Better’ service has been introduced, in partnership with the Prince Bishops Community Bank, to provide free budgeting and monetary advice for all residents in the county.

The service can help by assessing fuel needs, finding more competitive tariffs and helping consumers switch suppliers, as well as offering debt advice.

Cllr Kevin Shaw, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for strategic housing and assets, said: “The average home energy bill is now £1,250 per year and there are many tariffs available from utility companies which can be very confusing to the customer.

“If required, we can arrange for an experienced energy advisor from the Managing Money Better service can visit your home to carry out a free home energy assessment.

“If it is identified that savings can be made, we can also help you switch suppliers to access the best available tariff to suit your individual needs.

“Our advisors can also help with money management, provide advice on benefit entitlements and can also help you set up a bank or savings account with the Prince Bishop Community Bank.”

To apply for the Managing Money Better scheme, contact Durham County Council’s warm homes team on 03000 268 000.

As sent to the Editor of the Newton News. If you have a story that we may be interested in, please send to syd@newtonnews.co.uk