Portsmouth council offers cash help with energy and water costs
A new support scheme has opened to help low-income households in Portsmouth with the rising cost of energy and water.
The city council’s utilities payment scheme offers £150 for eligible single households, or £200 for couples and families.
Portsmouth City Council Leader, Cllr Steve Pitt said: “The launch of our new utilities payment scheme comes just after the latest energy price cap announcement that gas and electricity bills will rise for millions of people.
“Costs keep going up and it’s still really tough for many Portsmouth households. That’s why we’ve created this scheme to give more financial help to some of our most vulnerable residents ahead of the winter, when people need to heat their homes.”
The scheme is aimed at single parents on Universal Credit, carers, pensioners receiving PIP or Attendance Allowance, care leavers, and low-income adults unable to work due to limited capacity. Applicants must also meet strict income thresholds.
Applications are open until 12 noon on Monday 27 October 2025, though the scheme may close earlier if funding runs out.
Residents are encouraged to apply online at the council’s website. Support is also available by phone via the household support team on 023 9268 8010.
The initiative is part of the wider Household Support Fund, which is funded by the UK Government to help people with essentials such as food, energy and water bills.
Portsmouth residents can also access other schemes and cost-of-living advice via the council’s website or by calling the cost-of-living helpline on 023 9284 1047, open weekdays 9am–5pm (closing 4.30pm on Fridays).