With a big rise in energy costs expected by millions this winter as the price cap rises, many residents are worried about paying their bills.

The energy we use to heat and power our homes also makes up a large portion of an individual?s carbon footprint, so finding ways to reduce your bills can also help you to be more environmentally friendly.

One way to lower your energy bills in the long term is to make your home more energy efficient. You can do this by installing insulation (for example in your loft or under your floors) or renewable energy technologies (such as solar panels on your roof).

The City Council is supporting low-income households to make energy efficiency improvements to their homes ? and applications are open until 30^th November. Find out if you?re eligible and apply online here.

If you?re not able to make changes to your home, here are some top tips to help you lower your bills:

• Turn the thermostat down by 1^oC ? the Energy Saving Trust recommends heating your home to 18-21^oC
• Draught-proof gaps around doors and windows to keep heat in
• Turn off lights and switch appliances off standby when you?re not using them
• Reduce your shower time to four minutes
• Use a slow cooker or a microwave instead of the oven ? if you do use the oven, cook an extra meal for leftovers
• Turn the washing machine down to 30^oC and avoid using the tumble dryer.

Find out more about reducing your bills on the Ask Lion website

Nottingham City Libraries are running 'cost-of-living cafes' to offer support and advice to city residents throughout November. Come and talk to our experts about a range of issues from financial matters to energy efficiency and housing support to general well-being. Hot drinks will be available as well as craft activities for children.

The next session will be held Wednesday 23 November, Radford-Lenton Library, 2pm to 4.30pm

Find our more here by visiting www.nottinghamcitylibraries.co.uk/cost-of-living-cafe/

We have now made Energy Bill Rebate payments or credits of ?150 to everyone who we believe is eligible for the Government scheme, even if people haven?t made a claim.

Further payments are now being made to help certain groups of people who weren?t eligible for the ?150 payment, as well as some smaller additional top-up payments for groups of people claiming Council Tax Support.

We have started the distribution of Post Office voucher payments to those who are eligible via post and email so please look out for these, including checking your junk email folder. If you are in receipt of one of these payments, please note the deadline for vouchers to be cashed is 30 November 2022. Payments will range between ?25 and ?150 depending on individual circumstances.

Find out more?

The Lord Mayor, Councillor Wendy Smith, switched on the 4,000 LED lights on Nottingham?s 60ft Christmas Tree on Tuesday evening to mark the start of the festive season in the city. It also marked the official opening of Winter Wonderland, The Mellors Group?s stunning Christmas attraction.

This year, Winter Wonderland is bigger and better than ever before with a brand-new, exciting Sky Skate Ice Path, the first of its kind in the UK.? The ice path allows skaters to glide above the Christmas Market stalls for a unique view of Christmas in Nottingham.

If you have a Council Tax account number, you can get a discount code for off-peak skating here

More here?