Havering Council has launched a pilot scheme to help residents pay their bills on time and reduce debt.
Havering Council has joined forces with SuperFi, an innovative money-saving app for people on lower incomes, to pilot a scheme to help residents manage bills, improve financial resilience, and reduce problem debt.
This initiative rewards residents with cashback for timely bill payments, alongside access to tools that could save them up to £1,488 annually.
The SuperFi app, available for download now, is free for Havering residents, providing vital support as many navigate the challenges of the ongoing Cost of Living crisis.
According to StepChange, a prominent debt charity, 13 percent of Londoners are encumbered by significant debt, with 16.1 percent of Havering’s population earning below the Living Wage.
Funded by the Greater London Authority’s Tackling Poverty Challenge, the pilot uses Open Banking technology to empower residents by streamlining financial management.
The free app allows users to view and manage their bills, credit commitments, and Buy Now Pay Later accounts from one place.
It features a government benefits checker and provides access to social tariffs and council tax discounts, empowering users to maximize their income and reduce their monthly costs.
Users are even rewarded for paying their bills on time with cashback at hundreds of major retailers, including Amazon, ALDI, Iceland, Curry’s and many more.
SuperFi also monitors spending to alert users where they are likely to miss an upcoming bill payment.
For those who are experiencing problem debt, SuperFi has partnered with StepChange to offer integrated access to specialist advice.
Council Leader, Councillor Ray Morgon, and Deputy Leader, Councillor Gillian Ford, joined Tom Barltrop, Co-Founder and CEO of SuperFi, at the Royals Centre in Rainham recently to promote the app at the weekly Warm Space meet-up, showing residents how they can save money on their shopping and bills.
Councillor Morgon said:
“Havering Council remains dedicated to supporting our residents with the cost of living challenge.
"This partnership with SuperFi will make it easier for residents to access the financial tools they need to manage their bills and improve their financial situation.
“Through the app, we will offer practical support for residents facing financial challenges, ensuring they can get the assistance they need to improve their circumstances.
"We will continue to work with partners to ensure we have a comprehensive offer to residents to help them during these difficult times.”
Tom Barltrop, Co-Founder and CEO of SuperFi said:
“SuperFi is driven by a powerful social mission: to support the millions of people struggling to pay their bills during the Cost of Living crisis.
"To achieve this, SuperFi has partnered with the London Borough of Havering, housing associations and debt advice organisations to expand its services across the UK.
"SuperFi has already identified over £1,500,000 in additional benefits, with 90 percent of users agreeing that SuperFI improves their ability to pay bills on time.”
Residents can download the SuperFi app from their smartphone or table app stores and register for free with the access code: HAVERING.