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Ask Penny: When Everything’s Going Up… and Your Money Isn’t

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Ask Penny: When Everything’s Going Up… and Your Money Isn’t

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Dear Penny, I’m Sarah, mum of two living with my partner in a small two‑bedroom semi. No matter what we do, we never seem to have enough to cover food, bills, school costs and everything else. Prices keep climbing, and the pressure is really affecting us as a family. My partner and I are arguing more because we’re both stressed and scared of falling behind. We want to get back in control but don’t know where to start. Please help.

Penny Responds: Sarah, thank you for writing — what you’re feeling is completely understandable. Many families are struggling with rising costs, and it can feel overwhelming when essentials keep becoming more expensive. The important thing is that with a more organised approach, you can regain control.

Start by writing down all your income and every outgoing, in a notebook, spreadsheet or budgeting app. Clarity reduces stress because it replaces guesswork with facts. Once everything is listed, prioritise essentials: housing, energy, food, travel and your children’s needs.

Then review all remaining spending. Ask: Can this be cheaper? Is this essential? Could I switch providers or cancel it? Go through your bank account for old subscriptions or direct debits you can stop. Many families also find a separate bills account helpful so essentials are always paid before everyday spending.

Finally, practice regular “money hygiene” - small weekly or monthly check‑ins that keep you on track. Even if the numbers are tough at first, facing them is the first step toward making real change.

If things look worse than you expected - missed payments, arrears, or simply not enough money coming in — please reach out for free support. Check benefits at www.turn2us.org.uk, or get confidential debt help from www.stepchange.org.uk, www.citizensadvice.org.uk, or www.nationaldebtline.org.uk.

Footnote: Pennysmart CIC is a non‑profit, referrals‑only money advice & support service. If you are an organisation seeking help for your clients, please get in touch – business@pennysmart.org.uk

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Cheshire West Financial Resilience Network

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Cheshire West Financial Resilience Network

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Would You Be Interested In Forming A New Financial Resilience Network To Support Practitioners/Organisations Supporting Those Facing Financial Hardship And/Or Debt Crisis In Cheshire West & Chester Area?

​

Could you spare 5 mins to complete our scoping survey to see if there is sufficient interest in such a group and whether it would have value to you and your work. Click below to enter the survey​

https://forms.office.com/e/h1hcK7V135

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The Money Guiders Network from the Money & Pensions Service offers free resources to help organisations and practitioners improve the quality of money conversations with customers. Open to anyone in not‑for‑profit, public or community roles, it strengthens skills, confidence and practice when giving money guidance. Further details and sign‑up: https://maps.org.uk/en/our-work/money-guiders/about

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Stop Loan Sharks Partner Recognition Programme – Free Training for Community Partners

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Stop Loan Sharks Partner Recognition Programme – Free Training for Community Partners

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The England Illegal Money Lending Team’s Partner Recognition Programme rewards organisations that actively support efforts to stop loan sharks. Partners raise awareness, spot signs of illegal lending, and direct victims to support. Eligible organisations meeting key criteria can apply for Partner or Partner Plus+ status, with free awareness training provided.

More information: https://www.stoploansharks.co.uk/partner-recognition-programme/

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Partner Recognition Programme - Stop Loan Sharks

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Universal Credit Changes from April 2026

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Universal Credit Changes from April 2026

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From April 2026, Universal Credit standard allowances will rise and the 2‑child limit is set to end. LCWRA payments will shift to higher or lower rates based on health criteria, so reporting conditions before 6 April is important. Other benefits, including PIP, remain unchanged. More details: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/claiming/check-how-universal-credit-is-changing-in-2026/

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Check how to report your health condition or disability for Universal Credit

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Check how Universal Credit is changing in 2026

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The amount of Universal Credit you can get will change in April 2026. Check what is changing because of the Universal Credit Bill and other benefit changes.

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UK Announces £53m Support for Households Hit by Surging Heating Oil Costs

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UK Announces £53m Support for Households Hit by Surging Heating Oil Costs

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The UK government has launched a £53m package to support low‑income rural households facing steep rises in heating‑oil prices, which have doubled amid Middle East conflict‑driven market disruption. Funding will be distributed via local authorities and devolved governments, with new consumer protections also being explored.

Link to full article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp9mgpzn901o

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Starmer announces £53m support to help with heating oil costs

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The money will be for “vulnerable” households who have faced a sharp rise in energy bills since the outbreak of the US-Israeli war with Iran.

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Universal Credit Is Setting People Up to Fail — Let’s Fix It

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Universal Credit Is Setting People Up to Fail — Let’s Fix It

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New research shows hundreds of thousands of people experiencing severe mental distress struggle to get essential support managing Universal Credit, due to flawed rules that make nominating a helper far too difficult. These barriers leave people vulnerable to sanctions and distress. Partners are urged to take action and sign the petition.

👉 Read more and sign the petition: https://www.moneyandmentalhealth.org/universal-credit-campaign/

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Money and Mental Health Policy Institute

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Money and Mental Health Policy Institute

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Set up to fail - Money and Mental Health Policy Institute

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Find out more about Money and Mental Health’s #SetUpToFail campaign, calling on government to make changes to the Universal Credit system.

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Fear Isn’t the Answer: Charity Urges Softer Approach to Council Tax Debt

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Fear Isn’t the Answer: Charity Urges Softer Approach to Council Tax Debt

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A StepChange report highlights concerns about some councils using prison threats in initial council tax arrears letters, despite imprisonment being extremely rare. The charity urges clearer, more compassionate communication to avoid distress and encourage engagement, while councils stress their duty to recover funds sympathetically. Full article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c75kne7qdy6o

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Call to cancel threat of prison for council tax non-payment

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Debt charity StepChange says there are clear differences between councils when chasing unpaid tax.

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Case study

John*, a 56‑year‑old social tenant living alone, was referred to Pennysmart at

a very low point.

*Client names have been changed to protect their privacy.

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DWP Unveils New Crisis and Housing Payments for 2026 Cost of Living Support

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DWP Unveils New Crisis and Housing Payments for 2026 Cost of Living Support

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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced significant new financial support for millions of households struggling with the ongoing cost of living crisis. It confirms the launch of a major new fund from April, designed to offer direct help with essentials like food, rent, and heating.

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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced significant new financial support for millions of households struggling with the ongoing cost of living crisis. Detailed guidance released on Tuesday, 14 January 2026, confirms the launch of a major new fund from April, designed to offer direct help with essentials like food, rent, and heating.

A New £1 Billion Lifeline for Local Councils

From April 2026, the government's new £1 billion a year Crisis and Resilience Fund will be administered by local authorities across the UK. This fund is set to run for a minimum of three years, providing a long-term commitment that replaces the previous Household Support Fund, which was subject to annual renewal.

The fund aims to prevent low-income households from falling into financial crisis. This move comes as research from the Trussell Trust highlights the scale of the problem, finding that 14 million adults are currently going without food because they cannot afford it, compounded by persistently high household bills.

While the Local Government Association has welcomed the multi-year certainty, it expressed concerns in October that the funding may not fully meet local needs. A survey found only two per cent of councils believed it would help to a great extent.

Two Key Payments: Crisis and Housing Support

The DWP guidance outlines two distinct new payments that will form the backbone of the support scheme. Crucially, applicants will not need to be claiming benefits to qualify for the crisis payment, broadening the potential reach of the aid.

The Crisis Payment

This payment is targeted at individuals facing a sudden financial shock or those at immediate risk of crisis. Local councils will have discretion over exact criteria, but the government has instructed that support should not be limited only to benefit claimants.

Eligible situations include being unable to afford food, shelter, heating, or essential household items. Triggers could range from a domestic disaster, health issue, or theft, to fleeing an abusive relationship or experiencing a gap in income.

The DWP has mandated a 'cash-first' approach, meaning direct cash payments or food vouchers should be the primary method of help, unless there is a compelling reason otherwise. This payment is intended for short-term, occasional need and is not meant to supplement regular income.

The Housing Payment

A separate new housing payment will specifically assist with housing costs, effectively replacing the old Discretionary Housing Payment from April 2026. This support can cover rent in advance, deposits, rental shortfalls, or lump sums associated with moving home.

Unlike the crisis payment, this support will be restricted to those already receiving housing benefit or Universal Credit that includes a housing element for rent. However, the DWP notes that those in need who don't meet these criteria could be considered for a crisis payment instead.

This payment can be more long-term and regular. For example, someone seeking work and facing a persistent rental shortfall could receive ongoing support until their income improves.

Government Commitment and Future Impact

A Government spokesperson stated: "We're committed to tackling poverty and delivering more security and opportunity for families across the UK. The £1bn multi-year Crisis and Resilience fund will help prevent households from falling into crisis by giving local authorities the certainty they need to provide emergency financial support."

The success of this ambitious scheme will now depend on its rollout by local councils from April 2026. With millions still struggling to afford basics, these new targeted payments represent a core part of the government's strategy to build financial resilience for the most vulnerable.

Australian supermodel Miranda Kerr debuts a dramatic blonde look on the cover of Australian marie claire, discussing her new jewellery collaboration and personal evolution.

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Struggling with bills? New DWP payments announced for 2026

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The DWP reveals a £1bn Crisis and Resilience Fund launching in April 2026, offering new cash and housing payments. Learn if you qualify and how it replaces old schemes.

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Cost of living payment rules for households after March

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Cost of living payment rules for households after March

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Funds to support low-income households will be available after March.

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DWP issues cost of living payment rules for households after March

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Funds to support low-income households will be available after March.

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Energy Bills to Fall by 7% from April – Automatic £150 Support for Households

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Energy Bills to Fall by 7% from April – Automatic £150 Support for Households

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The government confirms average households will see £150 deducted from energy bills as Ofgem’s price cap falls by 7% in April. This comes alongside the Warm Home Discount (£150) for eligible households.

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We’re taking action to help families with the cost of living, here is what you need to know.

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DWP Confirms the End of One‑Off Cost‑of‑Living Payments – Shift to Permanent Benefit Increases

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DWP Confirms the End of One‑Off Cost‑of‑Living Payments – Shift to Permanent Benefit Increases

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A major update this month confirms the UK government is ending general Cost‑of‑Living one‑off payments for 2026/27 and instead shifting support into built‑in inflation‑linked benefit rises. Universal Credit, PIP, DLA, Carer’s Allowance and Housing Benefit will increase by 3.8% from April 2026, providing a structural income boost for low‑income households.

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April 2026 payment dates for universal credit, benefits and pensions

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All the essential cost of living information whether claiming benefits or not

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DAF arrangements for off grid oil payments

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DAF arrangements for off grid oil payments

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Following the recent spike in oil prices, off grid oil payments will be increasing to £750 a maximum of 2 payments in a rolling 12-month period, with a gap of 3 months in between each application.

Please be reminded that all off grid oil applications must be submitted by an Approved Partner, and the applicant should not have any savings.

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Written Statement: Support available to help with the cost of living | GOV.WALES

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Jane Hutt MS, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip

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Benefit rates poster 2025/2026 - Rightsnet

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Benefit rates poster 2025/2026 - Rightsnet

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Benefits rates poster 2026/2027

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Louise* Muir Housing Association Case Story

*Client names have been changed to protect their privacy.

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Social media toolkits

We have produced a range of  content that will help your company share the message of stop loan sharks and provide your followers with a better understanding of what a loan shark is and where to get help and support.

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Social Media Toolkit Home page - Stop Loan Sharks

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Created for credit unions, Stop Loan Sharks have created the social media toolkit to give you a central place for all social media needs.

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We’re pleased to share a new TV Licensing Communications Toolkit, created in partnership with the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS).

This toolkit has been designed to support organisations, to engage in important discussions withtheir respective client base about money - specifically around the affordability and importance of the TV Licence.

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This three-year project from National Energy Action (NEA) empowers communities across Wales to save energy, stay warm and build resilience. Through the Energy Champions initiative, local residents gain practical knowledge on keeping homes warm and safe to share with friends, relatives and neighbours. The project also hosts local advice roadshow events, provides Winter Warmth Support Packs with energy-saving tools, and offers a small hardship fund for those facing immediate challenges with fuel, food, or clothing.

How to get involved

Becoming an Energy Champion

Anyone can become an energy champion. This could be you, a friend or colleague, a volunteer or community group member or an older student.

Email us at energychampions@nea.org.uk and you will be invited to a live online workshop. We will cover; fuel poverty in Wales, energy saving tips, your rights as a consumer, local and national help for vulnerable and low-income households, and lots more.

Afterwards we can help you identify local community events, and to take part in National Energy Action roadshows if you want to.

Roadshows

Do you have a public event or community group meeting coming up which you’d like National Energy Action to support or add value to? Invite our Energy Advice team and Energy Champions along! It’s FREE and from these events we can support your local community by providing advice fuel, food or clothing vouchers where appropriate, and Winter Warmth Support Packs.

Further information

To find out about making referrals into the project, support at events, becoming an Energy Champion or anything else, contact our team: energychampions@nea.org.uk.

https://www.nea.org.uk/projects/warm-together-cymru

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New Year’s Resolutions for 2026: Financial Wellness for Frontline Staff

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New Year’s Resolutions for 2026: Financial Wellness for Frontline Staff

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As we welcome 2026, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our financial habits and set new goals for the year ahead. Here are some money-themed

New Year’s resolutions tailored for our dedicated frontline staff.

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How banks can enable people to get support from a trusted person with their finances

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How banks can enable people to get support from a trusted person with their finances

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One in five people with mental health problems has resorted to sharing their PIN code or bank details with another person to get help with managing their everyday finances, leaving them at risk of serious financial abuse.

That's the warning of our new report, which shows banks aren’t providing enough simple and safe tools for people to get support from a trusted person to manage their everyday finances.

We're calling on the government to ensure all current account providers offer customers a standard package of tools like carers' cards, which you can use to allow a trusted person to make purchases on your behalf. You can read our introduction to the research here and the summary of our recommendations here.

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Money and Mental Health Policy Institute

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If I Needed Someone - Money and Mental Health Policy Institute

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If I Needed Someone shows how banks and policymakers can make trusted help with money safer and easier for people with mental health problems

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As winter approaches, it’s a good time to remind Universal Credit claimants that they may be entitled to help with their NHS health costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme.

If someone receives Universal Credit, they might qualify for help with their health costs including NHS prescriptions, dental treatment, eye tests, and help with travel costs to hospital appointments. The amount of support depends on their individual circumstances and any savings they have.

Before making any claims, people should use the NHS eligibility checker to confirm entitlement. It will tell them what support they can access and help avoid penalty charge notices.

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Warm Home Discount Scheme for Winter 2025/26

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Warm Home Discount Scheme for Winter 2025/26

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The Warm Home Discount (WHD) helpline was open for calls from 27 October 2025 (0800 030 9322).

The WHD provides a £150 rebate onto electricity bills for eligible low-income households in Great Britain.

Eligibility is determined by the citizen’s circumstances on the qualification date (24/08/25).

Recipients of the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit will be eligible for a WHD in England, Wales and Scotland if they are a named account holder with a participating electricity supplier.

Recipients of other means-tested benefits, may also be eligible for a WHD in England and Wales if they if they are a named account holder with a participating electricity supplier and on a means tested benefit.

People living in Scotland and in receipt of certain other benefits may be able to claim a discount direct from their energy supplier.

Letters will be issued to eligible and potentially eligible citizens by January 2026 with more information.

See the Warm Home Discount Scheme for more information.

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You could get £150 off your electricity bill for winter 2023 to 2024 under the Warm Home Discount Scheme.

The money is not paid to you - it's a one-off discount applied to your electricity bill between early October 2023 and 31 March 2024.

You'll usually get the discount automatically if you're eligible. You only need to apply if you're on a low income in Scotland - contact your energy supplier to apply.

If you might be eligible, you'll get a letter by early January 2024.

If you do not get a letter and you think you're eligible, you must contact the Warm Home Discount Scheme before 29 February 2024.

You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity and you're eligible. Contact your supplier to find out.

The discount will not affect your Cold Weather Payment or Winter Fuel Payment.

Eligibility

There are different ways to qualify for the Warm Home Discount Scheme depending on where you live.

If you live in England and Wales

You qualify if you either:

If you live in Scotland

You qualify if you either:

Pre-pay or pay-as-you-go meters

You can still qualify for the discount if you use a pre-pay or pay-as-you-go electricity meter.

Your electricity supplier can tell you how you'll get the discount if you're eligible, for example a voucher you can use to top up your meter.

Park (mobile) homes

You apply a different way if you live in a park home.

Apply for the Park Homes Warm Home Discount.

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The Warm Home Discount Scheme could take £150 off your winter electricity bill - eligibility, how to get your discount, deadlines.

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A Guide for Partner Organisations referring clients for Money Advice & Casework.

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A5 Staple Brochure 8page pages PS CIC numbered (1)

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All your clients need to know about the TV Licence

Advice for Advisers and Housing Professionals

The Advice for Advisers leaflet explains who needs a TV Licence and how much it costs. It also details the various ways students can pay.

https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one/for-your-home/students-aud1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHLEcIp2_cU

https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/advice

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Child Trust Funds were introduced by the UK Government in 2005. Accounts were opened for almost 6 million children born in the UK between 1st September 2002 and 2nd January 2011. Welsh Government provided a level of top up to some of these funds. Nearly half of Child Trust Funds in Wales remain unclaimed.

The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip and the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language are keen that we do all we can to promote information about Child Trust Funds to young people in Wales, so that they can access the money owed to them.

Nearly half of young people who are now eligible (18 +) to access their savings haven’t done so, many are not aware they have a Child Trust Fund account.

Anyone working with 14 to 22 -year-olds can help them check which financial organisation holds their account and find out more at:

https://www.gov.wales/find-your-child-trust-fund

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How financially resilient are you? Take the quiz to find out!

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How financially resilient are you? Take the quiz to find out!

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How often we come across clients who have experienced life shocks that have thrown them into financial hardship and think “It could happen to anyone”.

Resiliency is our ability to “roll with the punches” and carry on despite challenges and setbacks.

Resiliency varies from person to person, how easily could you handle a health, financial, or other type of life crisis? Take the quiz to find out.

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Ask Penny: Navigating Changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

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Ask Penny: Navigating Changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

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Dear Worried in Wales...

======

Would you like to use Ask Penny in your community newsletters?

Contact us for more information news@pennysmart.org.uk

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1200x675px Twitter Ask Penny Worried in Wales Mar 2025

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Debt Management Communications Toolkit V1

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Debt Management Communications Toolkit V1

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This Communications Toolkit was produced by the GDMF Functional Centre in collaboration with the Fairness Group to help public sector bodies who are recovering debt to understand and implement effective debt communications. It aims to bring together the latest evidence, insight, and good practice in debt communications and apply it to a public sector context. The guidance can be applied to both inbound and outbound communications, as appropriate.

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Debt Management Communications Toolkit V1

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The Government Debt Management Function (GDMF) Functional Centre provides strategic leadership and sets the cross-government policy and strategy for managing debt owed to government. The GDMF comprises around 7,000 public servants that work across over 20 ministerial departments and Arms Length Bodies to resolve and recover debt. In 2016, the GDMF Functional Centre established the Fairness Group, bringing together central and local government, the debt advice sector, and the debt collection industry.

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Top tops for self employment.

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Lightning Reach is a financial support portal which enables access to a range of personalised support (e.g. grants, benefits, help with their bills) - all in one place.

Founded during the pandemic, we aim to empower anyone to access support to build financial resilience and wellbeing.

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There are plenty of grants but they are usually aimed at the most vulnerable, so if you have nowhere else to turn, you may be able to get help from a charitable grant.

You can search on http://www.turn2us.org.uk or call their helpline operators who will do a search for you – 0808 802 2000.

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Household Budget Calculator

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To help with meal planning, food waste and save time and money.

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Food Inventory to help save money and cut down on food waste.

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Food Inventory to help save money and cut down on food waste.

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Interactive sheet to help keep track of your food budgeting.

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Not sure a TV Licensing email is genuine?

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Not sure a TV Licensing email is genuine?

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1. Check the sender’s email address

2. If it’s genuine it will include a partial postcode

3. Does it have your name

4. Check the spelling and grammar

5. Check the links

Still not sure? Read our guide:
https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/faqs/FAQ288?wt.mc_id=bbc_over75_scams#furtherinfo

TV Licensing has prepared some social media posts to highlight how people can avoid being the victim of a scam. It would be great if you could post these to your social media channels to help us get the message out and keep people safe. You can access social media images here

You can also find more information about how to avoid scams and how to report one here.

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We include the name and/or part of your postcode in our emails. Many scams simply use your email address or say 'Dear Customer'.

We send our emails from donotreply@tvlicensing.co.uk (or donotreply@spp.tvlicensing.co.uk).

If you are a TV Licensing payment card customer and you make mobile payments via the TVL Pay app, you may receive emails from noreply@paypoint.com. The sender's name will show as ' TVL Pay '.

Scammers often hide the true email address they're using, check the email address. On your device, select the sender's name (or email address) to show the actual email address.

Scam emails often tell you that you need to make an urgent payment. We only email customers about payments if they have missed one. You can sign in to your account to check.

They often say you can get a refund or a cheaper licence. We will never do this unless you have contacted us about a refund and we are replying to you.

Scam emails may show a fake licence number. Your licence number is on letters we send you, or search your email inbox for emails from 'donotreply@tvlicensing.co.uk' (or 'donotreply@spp.tvlicensing.co.uk').

Check the web address. Make sure you're at tvlicensing.co.uk or spp.tvlicensing.co.uk

We won't ask for:

your mother's maiden name

your date of birth (unless you're over 74 and applying for a free TV Licence)

your card details to make a missed payment UNTIL you've signed in using your licence number, surname and postcode.

Here's an example of a real TV Licensing email. We've marked it up to help you spot if an email you've received is a scam.

1. Check the sender

Genuine TV Licensing emails are sent from donotreply@tvlicensing.co.uk or donotreply@spp.tvlicensing.co.uk.

2. Partial Postcode

If you have provided us with your postcode details, our emails will include part of your postcode and/or the name on the licence.

3. Look for your name

If you've given us your name, then we'll always address you using your last name and title. The scammers won't normally have that information about you. So, watch out for emails that only address you as "Dear client" or "Dear customer" - or just use your email address (or part of it).

4. Check the spelling and grammar

Because scammers can't use our genuine TV Licensing web addresses or email addresses, they'll try to use slightly different spellings - look out for things like hyphens and full stops in odd places.

Be suspicious too if there are mistakes in the email with capital letters or other grammatical errors, like missing full stops - this could be a scam.

5. Check the links

Be wary of emails promising money/refunds. For example, phrases such as, "click below to access your refund", followed by a request to provide your credit card or bank details (we would never process a refund in this way).

Always check links in an email before clicking or tapping them.

If you're on a computer
Hover over the link (but don't click it). This will reveal the name of the web address that you are being sent to.

If you're on a smartphone or tablet
Press and hold on the link (don't release while you are on the link). This will reveal the name of the web address that you are being sent to.

Phone and text scams

Send you a text message to tell you you're entitled to a refund

Ask you to set up a payment plan or provide your bank details by text message

Ask you to enter any personal details into our website until you've successfully signed into your licence.

Before you enter any information, you should check the website address is our genuine website tvlicensing.co.uk (or spp.tvlicensing.co.uk).

If you're a TV Licensing payment card customer, we may send you a text to ask you to make a payment. If you're a Simple Payment Plan customer, the link takes you to our secure payment provider (tvlspp.paythru.com)

If you're a TV Licensing payment card customer and you make mobile payments via the TVL Pay app, you may receive text messages from 'TVL Pay' to confirm your payment.

If you've just signed up for Direct Debit, you may receive a text message letting you know when your first payment will be taken

If you've contacted us by phone or on our automated service - we may send you a confirmation message or a satisfaction survey

If you receive your licence through the post, you may receive a message asking you to go paperless

If the message asks you to call a number, please check it's one of these numbers:

0300 555 0293 if you pay by payment card

0300 790 6082 if you pay by Direct Debit

0300 555 0355 if you are a Simple Payment Plan customer

If you've received a text which asks you to call any other number, do not call it.

Occasionally we may call you if there's a problem with your TV Licence. This will usually be about a missed payment, a cancelled Direct Debit, or a reminder to renew.

We'll call you from either 0300 790 6075, 0300 555 0285 or 0300 555 0355

If you're not sure the call is genuine, don't provide any personal information. You can also sign in to view your licence or payment plan.

If you've contacted us with a query, one of our team may call you back to discuss it. This may be from a withheld number, but the call will only be regarding the query you've raised.

Letter scams

Scammers may send you a letter, addressed to you by name, asking you to call or go online to confirm your payment details.

Letters from TV Licensing are genuine if:

you are currently licensed and you have given us your title and last name, we will always use these when we write to you. We'll also include your TV Licence number.

If you are registered as 'No Licence Needed', we'll include that reference number instead of your TV Licence number.

A scam letter will often tell you there is a problem with your licence or that you are due a refund. This is to try to get you to go to a fake website or call a fake number to sort it out. If you are ever suspicious or doubtful about what a letter is asking you to do, sign in to your licence to check if anything looks wrong.

Official TV Licensing websites are:

tvlicensing.co.uk

spp.tvlicensing.co.uk

75plan.tvlicensing.co.uk

QR Codes

QR (quick response) codes, like the one shown here, are becoming increasingly common. They can help you reach a website more quickly, using your
mobile phone.

To check if a QR code is genuinely from us, open the camera on your mobile and hover it over the code. It it's from us, you'll see one of the web links below, so you'll know it's safe to tap through:

tvlicensing.co.uk

spp.tvlicensing.co.uk

75plan.tvlicensing.co.uk

And if you can't use the QR code, or you don't want to, we'll always show the full web address in the communication as well, so you can use that to access
the webpage.

How to report an email or text scam

Report an email scam - We support the work of the Government's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to help stop scammers.
Send any scam or suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk and they will investigate.

Report a text scam - Take a screenshot of the message and send it to textscams@tvlicensing.co.uk

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We include the name and/or part of your postcode in our emails. Many scams simply use your email address or say 'Dear Customer'. We send our emails from donotreply@tvlicensing.co.uk (or donotreply@spp.tvlicensing.co.uk). If you are a TV Licensing payment card customer and you make mobile payments via the TVL Pay app, you may receive emails from noreply@paypoint.com.

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Household appliances: How much does it cost?

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Household appliances: How much does it cost?

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How much do your household appliances cost to run? Try a quiz from Made of Money based on current energy prices.

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Take our quiz to find out how much your household appliances are costing you.

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Please find below the links to the DWP Pension Credit stakeholder toolkit, which has been updated with a range of supporting products.

Pecyn cymorth Credyd Pensiwn - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Pension Credit toolkit: - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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IE Hub is an easy way to send your financial information to all the companies you owe money to. It removes the stressful phone calls and puts you in control of the information you share.

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IE Hub is a free online tool that lets you share your financial information with companies you owe money to.

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Videos and Fact Sheets on Electricity Storage Heaters

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Videos and Fact Sheets on Electricity Storage Heaters

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Please find attached fact sheet and video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUwXE8mlj-I

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My Support Space is an online resource designed to help you manage the impact that crime has had on you.
It is a free, safe, secure and confidential space where you can choose how you want to be supported after crime.

Our live chat service is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week via the victim support website: www.victimsupport.org.uk

To view a short video on ‘My Support Space’ please click the below link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSonmMDcFDU

These two fantastic resources can be accessed by anyone who is affected by crime regardless of when the crime happened and whether it was reported to the police or not.
Please share and promote these services to your front line staff and service users and encourage them also to contact our 24 hour support line for support outside of office hours on 0808 16 89 111.