Cost of Living

We know that many of us are worried about the increase in so many of our costs at the moment.

With energy prices rising dramatically at the beginning of April and set to rise again in October, many people are really struggling. Food prices are on the up and national insurance is increasing while inflation is rising to new heights not seen for years.

We thought it would be useful to share a few sites that can offer help to you if you are struggling - we hope you find it useful. If there are other sites you can recommend - please email them through and we can add them to this list:

Energy-saving grants

This grant gives free energy-saving upgrades designed to lower carbon emissions and help manage energy bills.
These improvements could include:

• Wall, loft and floor insulation
• Air source, ground source or hybrid heat pumps
• Double/triple glazing to replace single glazing
• Thermostats and heating controls
• Hot water tank insulation
• Solar panels

Funding is available for homeowners and private tenants - where the renter and landlord agree to take part in the scheme - who live in a home with a low energy rating and have an annual household income of £30,000 a year or less, or are unemployed and receive an income, health or disability benefit.

For private tenants, landlords will need to agree to pay a portion of the costs. There is no cost to the tenant.

To apply, visit https://surveys.est.org.uk/s/SustainableWarmth
or call the Energy Saving Trust free on 0808 196 8255.

Useful sites

• We also thought it would be useful to share a few sites that can offer help to you if you are struggling - we hope you find it useful:
• Money Saving Expert - Cost of living survival kit (90 ways to save): https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/cost-of-living-survival-kit/
• Turn2Us benefits calculator: https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk
• Citizens Advice Budgeting tool: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/budgeting/budgeting/work-out-your-budget/
• MSE Mental Health and Debt 2022 (a really helpful guide for anyone stuck in the viscous circle of debt and mental health issues): https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/content/dam/mse/downloads/mentalhealthguide-Jan-2022-v4.pdf

Complete Our 2022 Cost of Living Survey

• Complete our 2022 Cost of Living Survey

• Sign up to our 2022 Cost of Living Crisis Campaign