Supporting Householders on Universal Credit with Water and Fuel Affordability Webinar
18 February 2026 (PM)
A National Energy Action and Waterwise course.
With Universal Credit claimants reaching a record 8 million in July 2025 – and the managed migration of Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance ending in March 2026 – more households than ever are navigating a benefits system they may not fully understand. Low income and budgeting challenges can make it easy to fall behind on bills, increasing the risk of water and fuel poverty.
To address this, National Energy Action and Waterwise have partnered to deliver a webinar designed for frontline staff who support vulnerable householders. This session provides up-to-date guidance and practical advice on how energy and water efficiency can work together to reduce bills and improve affordability.
What you’ll gain:
- Expert insights from two leading national charities.
- Practical strategies to help householders manage energy and water costs.
- Knowledge to support those most at risk of falling into fuel and water poverty.
Join us to strengthen your ability to make a real difference for those who need it most.
The webinar is available to any frontline staff in a non-profit organisation in England and Wales.
Course audience
This course is aimed at front-line workers and volunteers who support clients in vulnerable situations and will enable them to gain valuable knowledge about the dual problems of water and fuel poverty.
Course aim
To help advisers feel more confident when talking to householders on Universal Credit about water and fuel affordability.
Course objectives
- Understand the meaning and extent of water poverty/fuel poverty
- Examine how Universal Credit increases risk of poverty
- Explore help available for people struggling with fuel and water
- Explore what stops claimants on Universal Credit from taking up efficiency advice
- Understand the importance of water/energy efficiency for people on Universal Credit, including practical tips
- Consider how to make these tips stick better with householders
Delivery method
Webinar
How will the webinar work
Our webinars are delivered live by our expert tutors.
We typically use Zoom for these sessions. To join, learners will need a device with internet access, sound capability, a webcam and microphone.
After the webinar, learners will also receive a handout booklet summarising the key topics covered during the course.
Date and time
18 February 2026, 1:30pm – 4:00pm
Fees
Places are available free of charge to non-commercial organisations based in England and Wales (such as local authorities, housing associations, advice agencies etc). Learners must also be frontline staff or volunteers that encounter and provide advice to those in or at risk of fuel poverty.
Who we are
National Energy Action is the national charity working to end fuel poverty In England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
We offer advice and support to fuel-poor households, as well as advocating for policy and regulation to protect the most vulnerable households. We also offer training to frontline staff of other organisations, so they can best support fuel-poor households. Find out more here.
Waterwise is the leading independent voice in the UK for using water wisely, for the benefit of people and the planet.
Our vision is that water is used wisely every day, everywhere, by everyone. We are the UK’s conscience on water efficiency, on behalf of people and the planet, and are experts in water efficiency policy, regulation, research, behaviour and campaigns. Find out more here.