Age UK Rochdale links up with United Utilities to help with pensioners' water bills

Moira Osborne, Age UK Rochdale and Carole Quinn, Outreach Manager at United Utilities

Age UK Rochdale has teamed up with United Utilities to raise awareness of a bill capping scheme that can help pensioners save hundreds of pounds a year.

Moira Osborne, Age UK Rochdale, said: “Some of our clients struggle to meet regular payments for their bills. It can mean making difficult choices about essential expenses like putting the heating on or food shopping.

“When money is so tight it is really important that people know what help they are entitled to and how to get it. That’s why, as part of our Winter Warmth Campaign we are linking up with United Utilities to help ensure the right customers benefit from their Help to Pay scheme.”

The scheme caps water bills for pensioners on a low income who meet certain criteria.

Carole Quinn, Outreach Manager at United Utilities, works with vulnerable groups to reduce water debt. She explained why the partnership was important: “We want to help keep bills affordable to stop customers getting into debt, and that’s why we launched the Help to Pay scheme.

“Our biggest difficulty is persuading those pensioners who would benefit from the scheme to sign up for it. That’s why we are delighted that Age UK Rochdale is helping us to spread the word, because many people do trust their advice.”

To be accepted onto the scheme a customer, or someone living with them, must receive Pension Credit and meet household affordability criteria.

For more information customers can contact Age UK Rochdale on 01706 712515 or visit the United Utilities website at www.unitedutilities.com/apply-for-help-to-pay-scheme