Christmas and New Year closure information
Our council offices and phone lines will close at 4pm on Wednesday 24 December and reopen at 9am on Monday 5 January 2026.
See our service arrangements for customers during this time.
Help with household bills
If you're having trouble paying your bills, see what support is available.
Council Tax
If you're struggling to pay your Council Tax, rent, or other payments to the council, please tell us as soon as you can. We’ll do our best to help.
We can:
- work with you to manage your payments
- offer budgeting advice
- set up payment plans
Visit our Difficulty paying Council Tax page for more help.
Energy bills
Citizens Advice has lots of useful information on their website. You can:
- find grants from energy suppliers to help pay off debts
- learn about the Warm Home Discount Scheme – you might get £150 off our winter electricity bill (opens again in October 2025)
- check if you qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment if you were born before 22 September 1959
Other places that offer help:
- Norfolk Warm Homes – offers tips and grants to keep your home warm
- Thinking Fuel – a group buying scheme from Community Action Norfolk to help reduce oil costs
- Government's improving energy efficiency page – tips including ideas for home improvements that can help lower your energy bills
Prepayment meters
If you owe money, your energy supplier might try to switch you to a prepayment meter. But they must follow rules set by Ofgem, the energy regulator.
Citizens Advice has a guide that explains:
- when you can say no to a prepayment meter
- how to complain if you’re treated unfairly
- how to get extra help
Water bills
Anglian Water offers support through their Extra Care Service, which includes:
- help reading your meter
- advance notice of water supply interruptions
- payment plans that suit your needs
- help finding the cheapest tariff and discounts
They also have a Priority Services Register for people with disabilities, accessibility needs, or young children.
Phone and internet bills
If you're struggling to pay your phone or internet bills, Ofcom has advice. You might be able to get a social tariff if you receive benefits like Universal Credit or Pension Credit.
