The UK is currently experiencing a ‘cost of living’ crisis, driven by many factors including Covid and the war in Ukraine. Energy prices have more than doubled over the last year and are expected to continue to rise significantly in 2023, and the inflation rate is the highest seen since the early 1980s, affecting the affordability of most goods and services.
Below are a list of websites that have information, help and useful advice regarding the rising cost of living:
Buckinghamshire Council package of support for residents - details of cost of living packages agreed for Buckinghamshire residents
Making Homes More Energy Efficient Scheme from Buckinghamshire Council - information about grants available from Buckinghamshire Council for eligible households
Ideas on How to Save Energy at Home - ideas and advice on how to make your home more energy efficient
Buckinghamshire Council Helping Hands Team - help from Buckinghamshire Council if you are struggling with food or debt problems
Welcoming Spaces - list of Warm Spaces
Help with Cost of Living Buckinghamshire Council - a page providing useful advice and support on a wide range of topics including: money, food, housing, support for children, mental health, energy and employment.
Help for Households - Government advice
Help for Businesses - Government advice
Cost of Living Support - Government advice
Energy Bills Support Factsheet - Government advice
Crisis Appeal Buckinghamshire - how to help others in Buckinghamshire if you are able to
Buckinghamshire Citizens Advice Bureau - see their website to check what help or benefits you may be entitled to, or contact them on 0808 278 7938 to speak to an advisor (there is a long wait currently) or book an appointment.
Winter Fuel Payment information - check to see if you will qualify, how much you could be entitled to and how to claim if so
Warm Home Discount Scheme - check to see if you are eligible for a one off £150 discount on your electricity bill and how to claim if so
Pensioner Cost of Living Payment - check eligibility
One Can Trust Foodbank - a food bank based on a referral system - how to access if neccessary, and how to donate if you are able to
NHS Help with Health Costs - check eligibility for help with prescription costs, travel to appointments, dental and sight checks
Age UK - free and confidential support for older people, their families and careers, including information on housing, money, benefits, health and loneliness.
Ofgem - for advice on grants and benefits that might be available to help
Energy Price Cap Calculator - online calculator to work out what you’ll pay for your energy under the new energy price cap.
Turn 2 Us – check what if any benefits that you may be entitled to
Electricity Supplier details for help if you are struggling to pay your bill
SSE - Help with Winter Bills
Octopus Energy Support
British Gas Energy Trust
EDF Energy Support
E.On Energy Support
Ovo Energy Support
Bulb Warm Home Discount