Ways to save in April: Help with bills, food, and everyday costs

Cut your water and energy bills

Many residents can save on their water and energy bills through discount schemes. From April, Wandsworth Council has joined a pilot scheme that will automatically sign up 1000 low-income Wandsworth households to Thames Water’s WaterHelp discount, saving hundreds of pounds a year – with no need to apply or fill in forms. 

WaterSure is a different discount scheme which caps bills for those on benefits with high water usage due to medical conditions. If you think you may be eligible for either scheme, or if you haven’t been automatically enrolled for WaterHelp, please check with Thames Water on their website, or call 0800 980 8800 to see if you are eligible. 

Support with food over the holidays

Children eligible for free school meals can get extra support over the holidays to ensure they can continue to receive healthy meals over the Easter break. Thanks to our partnership with Rackets Cubed, you can also access social supermarkets in Battersea and Roehampton and do your weekly food shop for under £10. Book your space on the Rackets Cubed website. 

Our Wandsworth Connected (HAF Programme) runs from 7 to 20 April, and offers safe, fun, and enriching activities, and a hot meal throughout the holidays. This is free to children and young people in receipt of benefits-related free school meals who either attend school in Wandsworth or live in Wandsworth. Spaces are still available for activities. Book your space. 

Council Tax support

We know Council Tax is a big expense. That’s why we’ve frozen the main element of your bill for the third year running to help keep costs down. This means that Wandsworth residents continue to pay the lowest Council Tax in the country. If you're on a low income, you may also qualify for a Council Tax reduction, which can lower your bill or even eliminate it entirely. 

Access for All

Our ambitious Access for All scheme aims to break down barriers and make sure everyone in Wandsworth has an equal chance to access local opportunities, including sports, leisure and other essential services. Concessions include free gym and swim, discounted tickets, and reduced fees for Council ceremonies like weddings. 

Find out more about Access for All.

Check for unclaimed benefits

Billions of pounds of support go unclaimed each year. If you’re on Universal Credit, check if you qualify for Healthy Start vouchers to help with the cost of fruit, veg, and milk. Pensioners should check if they qualify for Pension Credit, which not only boosts income but also unlocks additional help with energy bills, NHS costs, and more. 

Use our free calculator to see what you could be entitled to – you might be surprised.

Crisis Assistance payments 

Crisis payments are awarded to cover short-term needs, preventing serious risk to the health and safety of a person or their family. The payments are intended to meet one-off needs rather than on-going expenses.  

Simon Hogg, Leader of Wandsworth Council, said: 

 "We know many residents are struggling with the cost of living, and that’s why we’ve put in place the largest and most generous support package in London. From help with energy bills and council tax to free meals and financial advice, we’re making sure that no one in Wandsworth is left behind. If you’re worried about money, please check what support is available – you might be surprised at how much help is out there." 

We’re a listening council, and we know that times are tough. That’s why we’re committed to supporting residents through the cost-of-living crisis. Whether you need help with energy bills, housing, food costs, or financial advice, visit our Cost of Living Hub to find out what’s available.

Even small savings can add up. By making the most of the help on offer, you can keep costs down and ease the pressure on your budget this April.