Cost of Living

Help and support with the rising cost of living

We understand residents may be concerned about the rising cost of living. This webpage provides information and useful links to a range of different agencies which may be able to help those needing further support.

Whether you’re worried about loan repayments and want to know where to get financial support or legal advice, want to know more about the support available for food provision or need information about housing, we hope the below information is helpful.

The UK Government has launched Help for Households to provide a range of additional support.

We know that sudden unexpected costs can create real challenges for residents who are experiencing financial hardship.  Vouchers towards utility bills are available for households in Warwickshire using pre-payment meters, paying by direct debit or on receipt of bill.   

If you, or anyone you know, needs help please apply between 20 November and 8 December 2023.  Call 0800 4081448 or 01926 359182 to talk to us in confidence.    

This support is provided by Warwickshire Local Welfare Scheme and funded by the Department for Work and Pensions’ Household Support Fund.      

www.warwickshire.gov.uk/localwelfarescheme   

There is a partnership webpage that features support for Warwickshire residents including funds, programmes, and services to help you and your family get through this difficult time. There is a cost of living support line number: 0800 408 1449.

It is also worth checking what support you may be eligible for if you or someone you care for has a disability. More information about disability benefits can be found on the Government website.

If you need assistance please contact the council direct Email: financialinclusion@northwarks.gov.uk or Tel: 01827 715 341

Budget and debt advice

  • Benefits calculator– use the independent benefits calculator to find out what benefits you may be eligible for and how to claim.
  • Community Money Advice - a national charity with local centres committed to supporting people overcome their money problems.
  • Money Helper Tool - Whether your income is down and you’re worried about your future finances, you’ve lost your job or are facing redundancy, or are self-employed and can’t do your job, Money Navigator can help.

Financial support

  • Council tax discounts and exemptions – find out if you are eligible for council tax discounts or exemptions.
  • Household Support Fund – the Household Support Fund has been provided by the Government to local authorities to support families with children and individuals most in need. The fund runs until September 30 2022. 
  • Check if you're eligible for the Warm Home Discount
  • Cost of Living Payment - you may be able to get a payment to help with the cost of living if you’re getting certain benefits or tax credits.
  • Pensioner Cost of Living Payment - a £300 payment that will be paid with Winter Fuel Payments to all pensioner households across the UK.
  • Pension Credit - Pension Credit is separate to the State Pension, and pensioners may still be eligible if they own their home or have savings. People who are eligible for Pension Credit can also get other financial help such as help with heating costs, housing benefit and a free TV licence for over 75s.
  • Disability Cost of Living Payment - a £150 payment for those on an eligible UK disability benefit, in September.
  • Universal Credit: What Universal Credit is - GOV.UK Universal Credit is a new benefit for working age people who are on a low income or out of work.
  • Personal Independence Payment - help with extra living costs if you have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability and find it difficult doing certain everyday tasks or getting around because of your condition.
  • Carers Allowance -  financial support for those who care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they get certain benefits.
  • Stop Loan Sharks - investigates and prosecutes illegal money lenders and provides support for borrowers in the UK.

Housing

Food provision

Utilities

Discounts and offers

Find out what offers are available from businesses to help with the cost of living. There's a range of different businesses to help with groceries, retail, entertainment and utilities on the Help for Households website.

Energy Advice

  • Energy and water bills - With the increasing energy prices and the effect on the cost of living, The Northern Warwickshire Financial Inclusion Partnership (NW FIP) are working together to provide information and advice and details of services that are available to help and support local residents.
  • Warm Home Hacks - some top tips to save money ‘It All Adds Up’ energy-saving campaign 

  • Government has launched the ‘It All Adds Up’ energy-saving campaign to raise public awareness of actions that people can take to cut their energy bills. The campaign promotes steps to help households save money on their energy bills with top tips including:   

  • Reducing the temperature a boiler heats water to before it is sent to radiators (known as the boiler flow temperature) from 75⁰C to 60⁰C, which will not reduce the temperature of your home but could save around £100 annually  
  • Turning appliances off at the plug, which could save approximately £70 per year  
  • Reducing heating loss from the property by putting a draught excluder around doors or by adding clear film across windows, which could save around £60 a year 

Legal support

  • North Warwickshire's Citizens Advice Bureau - offers free, confidential, impartial, and independent help and advice on a wide range of subjects including debt, benefits, housing, legal, discrimination, employment, immigration, consumer and other problems.

  • Legal Aid - if you are on low-income Legal Aid may pay for your solicitor.

  • Welfare and mental health support

  • Age UK Coventry and Warwickshire - Age UK Coventry and Warwickshire is an independent local charity working in the local community to help older people live happier, active, fulfilled and socially-engaged lives in communities.
  • Mind – mental health charity which provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.
  • Every Mind Matters – practical tips and advice from the NHS on how to look after your mental health and support others.

Other useful websites

Other Cost of Living help