The ongoing partnership between Plus Dane Housing and specialist social enterprise Pocket Power is continuing to help customers save on household bills and other expenses.
We have been working together since October 2022. Since then, Pocket Power has helped nearly 300 of our customers across Merseyside and Cheshire save a total of more than £74,000 on their bills.
When we refers customers to Pocket Power, a simple phone call has reduced their outgoings by an average of £267. The service helps you to apply for discounts such as social tariffs, wipe utility debt, and switch phone, broadband, car insurance and banking bills, as well as offering practical advice.
Even after the initial call, which lasts around 30 minutes, Pocket Power can follow up to help you apply for new discounts, or make a switch when contracts run out.
Pocket Power is committed to helping people on lower incomes who may not have the time or digital skills to find better deals or swap providers to save money. They also appreciate some people may prefer to talk to a real person on the phone when making these decisions, rather than using an online or automated service.
One success story is Halima, who Pocket Power helped apply for the United Utilities Trust Fund, resulting in a debt wipe of £345 and a new washing machine. They also registered for E.ON’s Winter Fund, which if successful will discount her energy payments by 50% for the next six months - and if she can keep up with the payments, her £1000 arrears will be wiped. Halima was switched to a Broadband social tariff, and applied for a council tax discount – her total savings so far come to £987.
Usman Ashiq, partnerships manager at Plus Dane, said: “Our partnership with Pocket Power has proved to be a fantastic resource, and we are so pleased with the outcomes we’ve had so far. This is something that is available to all Plus Dane customers, so I’d urge anyone struggling with the cost of living to get in touch with us to get you started.”
Helen Burgess, Managing Director of Pocket Power, said: “We’re delighted to have saved Plus Dane residents £74,000! The thought of switching tariffs or negotiating contracts for household bills can often feel overwhelming but it’s more important than ever as the cost of living crisis continues to put pressure on people’s finances. We’re happy to take that stress away from customers and save them over £250 in just one call.”
Plus Dane customers can arrange an appointment with Pocket Power by contacting engagement&partnerships@plusdane.co.uk or 0800 169 2988.
