Cost of living support
As the cost of living increases, we appreciate you may be worried about how to pay for food, heating and other bills. We’ve put together some information about where and how to find support.
Whatever challenges you’re facing, we want to help.
BudgetSmart from PayPlan
PayPlan offers free, simple debt advice to anyone who needs it, helping people to become debt-free through clear, honest advice.
The PayPlan team has developed the BudgetSmart tool to provide a large number of tips and useful pointers to help people with their finances during the cost of living crisis.
Financial support
You could be eligible for financial support from the government, your local council, your energy provider, and charitable organisations.
Here are some organisations that can get you the support you need.
Support with energy bills
Support is available to help manage the rising cost of gas, electric and water bills.
We’ve collated some useful resources from energy companies to help you find the support you need.
Customer support funds - apply online
Advice and guidance
- MoneySavingExpert explain the energy price cap
- Household Energy
- Local Energy Advice Partnership (LEAP)
- Ofgem - the energy industry regulator
- National Energy Action
Reducing your food bills
Small changes can help to reduce your food bill. Here are some tips that may help.
Tips to reduce your food bill
- Think about what meals you want to cook that week, make a list and then buy only what you need. Planning and then sticking to a shopping list can help you keep on budget and reduce waste.
- Some items such as toilet roll, pasta and rice can be bought in bulk and can work out cheaper if you’re able to buy in larger quantities.
- Consider eating less meat – Meat-free Mondays and Fish Fridays are growing in popularity and can reduce your weekly food spend. Protein can also come from pulses, lentils and beans providing a cheaper alternative to meat-based meals.
- Greengrocers, and independent fruit and veg shops, can be cheaper than buying from a supermarket.
- Use a price comparison website like Trolley to make sure you're getting the best possible deal from your supermarkets.
- Take advantage of loyalty schemes that are on offer from supermarkets. The consumer website Which has produced this guide on what loyalty schemes are available and how to make the most from them.
Reducing your energy bills
As we all know, energy costs are rising all the time. Here are some top tips to cut down on wasted gas, electric and water.
The best way to save money on your utility bills is to try and minimise the amount of energy you use in your home. These simple steps could help you to cut down on energy that you may be wasting.
- Switch appliances off standby.
- Keep the doors to rooms you’re not using often closed. This can help to keep rooms warmer for longer.
- Turn off your lights when not in use.
- Reduce how much you use your washing machine where possible.
- Swap the bath for the shower.
- Only boil the kettle with the amount of water you need.
- If you have one, always fill your dishwasher rather than washing half loads.
- Move furniture away from radiators to improve heat circulation.
- Turn off the tap while you brush your teeth.
- Claim and install any free water-saving devices that are on offer from your water supplier. Visit Save Water, Save Money to find out more.
Please note, the links above are provided for your convenience and will lead you to a third-party website. Longhurst Group does not control how these third-party organisations process your personal information. We encourage you to read the privacy notice of the third-party website you visit should you have any concerns.
Updated: 25 May 2023