Money Matters with Dan Bebbington, Housing Plus Group’s Debt and Energy Manager

Save on your energy bills this winter

With the energy price cap raise at the start of October and the warm summer days firmly behind us, many households are worried about keeping their bills down over the months ahead.

When it comes to energy use, remember that small changes can add up to noticeable savings.
Simple actions to make your home more energy efficient, like fitting draught excluders around windows and doors, can stop warm air escaping.
Swapping old bulbs for LEDs can cut lighting costs by as much as 80%, and lowering your thermostat by just one degree could trim heating bills by up to 10% without you really feeling the difference.
Using heating timers also helps keep your home warm when you need it, without you having to pay for heat when you don’t.
Big household appliances can use a lot of energy. Washing clothes at 30 degrees, line-drying laundry where possible, and switching devices off fully instead of leaving them on standby are all good habits. Turning appliances off at the plug alone could save around £50 a year.
It’s also a good time to check you’re on the best energy tariff. Suppliers offer different deals, and it’s worth checking whether you’re on the best one for you.
If you’re on a price-capped offer, it’s definitely worth shopping around to see if you could sign up to a fixed-term deal that undercuts the price cap. Online comparison sites can help you review options.
There is financial support available for people struggling with bills. Schemes like the Warm Homes Discount and Winter Fuel Payment (both of which have broadened their eligibility criteria since last winter) can make a big difference, and some charities and energy providers offer grants too.
If you’re unsure where to start, organisations such as Citizens Advice and the Energy Saving Trust provide free, practical guidance on managing energy use and accessing financial support.
Housing Plus Group customers can also contact our dedicated energy advice service.

Keys handed over to new homes

Residents of a new social housing development in Dawley are making themselves at home after the completion of a £3.3 million regeneration project.

The 18 new homes have been built by R1 Construction for Housing Plus Group, following the demolition of the garages and flats that previously occupied the site.

The development includes a mix of family houses, bungalows and apartments, providing high-quality, affordable homes for local people – all for social rent. It has been supported by a £1 million grant from Homes England.

Housing executive Debbie Mears has been helping the new residents settle into their homes. She said: “It’s been fantastic to welcome the new residents and see this part of Dawley given a fresh start.

“These homes are not just much-needed housing, they are helping to build a stronger community.”

Stephen Corbett, Development Director at R1 Construction, added: “Quality, affordable housing is at the heart of every thriving community.

“At R1, we are proud to have partnered with Housing Plus Group on this redevelopment, a project that not only strengthens the fabric of this neighbourhood but also invests in its future.”

New lease of life for old Wrekin office site

The site of two vacant shops in Dawley town centre is being redeveloped to provide much-needed homes for social rent.

The former Wrekin Housing Group office, once a busy base for local housing services, closed in 2019, while the neighbouring convenience store had also lain empty for several years.

But the site is now entering an exciting new chapter, with the shops demolished to make way for four new one-bedroom apartments.

The scheme is being delivered by R1 Construction for Housing Plus Group, which merged with Wrekin earlier this year, with the help of regeneration funding from Telford and Wrekin Council and Homes England.

Martin James, Development and Regeneration Manager at Housing Plus Group, said: “We’re proud to be bringing this site back into use in a way that will directly benefit the community.

“For decades, this building played an important role in supporting Wrekin customers and providing vital local services.

“Now, the site will have a new life as a place where people can live and thrive. These homes will be built to last, offering secure, energy-efficient, comfortable spaces that people will be proud to call home.”

Theresa Carson, Dawley Area Manager, added: “This has always been a central spot in Dawley, and it’s great that we’ll still have a presence here through the regeneration.

“The office was a real hub for the community, and I know many people have fond memories of it. Seeing it transformed into homes for local people is the perfect next chapter.”

Summer of fun for local families thanks to Housing Plus Group

Families and young people have enjoyed a fun-filled summer thanks to Housing Plus Group’s 2025 Summer Holidays Fund.

This year, 22 local organisations received grants of up to £1,000 each, supporting a wide range of activities designed to bring communities together and provide children with memorable holiday experiences.

Among the organisations supported through the scheme was Great Dawley Youth Club. Thanks to a grant of £855, 30 young people enjoyed a trip to the town centre, including bowling, a picnic and crazy golf.

Sam Hine, Social Value and Inclusion Manager at Housing Plus Group, said: “We are proud to have supported so many local organisations who work tirelessly to make a difference in their communities.

“The Summer Holidays Fund is about more than activities – it’s about inclusion, wellbeing and helping families to enjoy the holidays without financial worry.