Cost of living crisis - practical advice, signposting & ideas: heating & eating etc.

[IlonaM]

The Forum really came together during the covid crisis and showed how valuable an asset it is to support, advise and cheer each other up during very tough times.

I was wondering whether there could be either a dedicated thread or section for pratical ideas and signposting for the cost of living crisis? This would be separate to discussion of cost of living policy/politics etc.

I was thinking in particular of both service user-led ideas [including but not limited to recipes, energy-saving, keeping warm, practical ideas etc.] and also links to advice or help suggested in the media/online etc. We have such a wealth of experience on the Forum that I'm sure that there would be useful ideas and advice that could be very constructive and helpful during the coming months.

Edited November 29, 2022 by IlonaM

[Joe]

Thanks for the suggestion.

I'd be happy to pin a 'Cost of Living Tips' thread to the top of The Lounge, if we can collate some good ideas to start it off. Obviously the thread would be non-political and focused around practical ways of making the most out of your monthly budget.

Personally I find MoneySavingExpert very useful - lots of good articles about how to cut your mobile, internet, travel costs.

[IlonaM]

Hi Joe,

Yes, Martin Lewis' team has a lot of ideas. They created a 'Heat the human, not the home' guide earlier in the year - https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/heat-the-human-not-the-home-save-energy/ - which has recently been updated. There have also been some interesting articles in the Guardian etc. with advice and health warnings which might be useful links to include.

I have also been researching low-cost/energy-use cooking ideas and am quite taken by the Wonderbag which is a modern update on haybox cooking - starting a dish off on the hob and then transferring to an insulated bag/box which acts as a slow cooker using no power. There are lots of DIY guides for making one's own, using towels/old duvets etc as the insulation material, but I rather like the social enterprise ethos behind the Wonderbag which is a South African business working with local communities. There are lots of recipes available online as well as adapting slow cooker recipes - stews, soups, etc. but also some baking, so it is quite a versatile method.

Best wishes,

Ilona

[IlonaM]

UK Energy Support Scheme for grants to improve energy efficiency may be of interest to eligible low-income home owners & private tenants:

Direct link: https://ukenergysupport.co.uk/eco4-scheme/

'The ECO4 scheme is the final part of an ongoing government initiated scheme to support low-income households and to create more energy efficient homes. As of April 2022 it replaced its previous iteration with the aim of improving the energy efficiency of more UK households.

UK Energy Support specialises in Energy Company Obligation (ECO) grants, which are provided at no cost to our customers, so that any energy efficiency upgrade for your home will be fully funded by your energy provider.

The ECO4 scheme grant system applications open for November 2022.'

[IlonaM]

I found an interesting NASA-inspired Heat Reflective Bed Sheet Underlay on the Coopers website (similar one on Easylife website - both links below) - rather like cat & dog self-heating mats, but for humans and no energy costs!!! They are rather good and I even persuaded a very sceptical mother to take one home after trying it up here!!!

- https://www.coopersofstortford.co.uk/heat-reflective-bed-sheet-underlay/

- https://www.easylife.co.uk/product/insulated-fleece-warmer/27280

[IlonaM]

Just have been sifting through the comments on the latest Frances Ryan article in the Guardian:

Some useful links:

1) From Fishgirl23

I HOPE THE LINKS BELOW WILL BE HELPFUL FOR SOME:

CHARITABLE FUNDS:

CHARIS: Can help with gas and electric bills www.charisgrants.com

BRITISH GAS: Please see this link for more information, including how to apply: https://britishgasenergytrust.org.uk/

THAMES WATER ASSISTANCE FUND (You do not need to be a Thames Water customer you can still get help towards wastewater cost of your bill) http://www.thameswater.co.uk/My-Account/Billing-and-payment/Help-paying-your-bill/Customer-assistance-fund

AFFINITY WATER. Help with water arrears for low-income families http://www.thameswater.co.uk/My-Account/Billing-and-payment/Help-paying-your-bill/Watersure-Plus-scheme

TURN2US: https://www.turn2us.org.uk/

FUEL/ENERGY ADVICE

USWITCH: http://www.uswitch.com/

ENERGY HELPLINE: http://www.energyhelpline.com/

COST OF LIVING SUPPORT:

Go to your local authority website

DEBT ADVICE:

STEPCHANGE on 0800 138 1111: www.stepchange.org

MONEY HELPER: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/benefits/universal-credit/money-manager

NUCLEUS on 020 3727 9300 [email protected]

REPORT AN ILLEGAL LENDER (LOAN SHARK): 0300 555 2222 www.stoploansharks.co.uk

2) UK Power Network Priority Register - https://www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/power-cut/priority-services/about-the-priority-services-register

'You can register if you or someone in your household:

relies on medical equipment

have refrigerated medicines

have a serious or chronic illness

have a disability

is living with dementia

are of pensionable age

have children under five in your household

have mental health difficulties

We recognise that people may also need support because of life-changing events such as bereavement, relationship breakdown, job loss, recovery from hospital treatment or living independently for the first time. If you or someone in your household is experiencing any of these circumstances, you can register to receive extra help on a temporary basis.'

[IlonaM]

Potentially of interest: https://www.over50smoney.com/Home+Bills/The+Energy+Guide

'The Energy Guide

This guide is designed to provide information on the support packages available during Winter 2022, to give advice on how to manage your energy bills over the next six months and to highlight the wide variety of support available. 

We go a step further, to discuss household budgets and how your mindset can make a significant difference to household disposable income. 

Parts of this guide may be useful printed out, rather than on screen.'

[EDmummy101]

This is super helpful !

[IlonaM]

I'm glad you're finding it interesting.

Here are a couple more websites to keep an eye on:

- Which: 17 ways to save money on your household bills and living costs in 2023

Expert advice on cutting your fuel usage, food costs, energy bills and more 

https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/how-to-save-money-on-your-household-bills-aiTGN6b5jZ2N

- Article: 'DWP: 2 million people could save £100s with 23 freebies to help ease cost of living burden' - useful particularly if you're on Legacy benefits (PIP, ESA, IS, JSA etc.)

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/dwp-2-million-people-could-save-100s-with-23-freebies-to-help-ease-cost-of-living-burden/ar-AA16yOxs?rc=1&ocid=winp1taskbar&cvid=61f493d2f62e4267c819f48152097f5c

[IlonaM]

Guidance

Cost of Living Payments 2023 to 2024

Guidance on getting extra payments to help with the cost of living if you’re entitled to certain benefits or tax credits.

From:

Department for Work and Pensions

Published

13 March 2023

Last updated

27 March 2023

gov.uk/guidance/cost-of-living-payments-2023-to-2024.

[Sue]

There are lots of useful things here, but I'm not sure many people are going to see them in this section of the forum?

[Joe]

There are lots of useful things here, but I'm not sure many people are going to see them in this section of the forum?

 

I've moved it to the lounge and pinned. Lets see how it does here.

Thanks for the updates IlonaM.

[Castleton]

Southwark are giving residents a one off payment of £100 and everyone I ask has never heard of it!

I don't have the link anymore, but council website/cost of living crisis is probably where it is.

I answered a few questions, not many and received a letter to take to the Post Office. £100 cash payment

[IlonaM]

Link to Southwark COL webpage with multiple resources:

https://www.southwark.gov.uk/benefits-and-support/cost-of-living-support

[Sue]

On 09/04/2023 at 16:55, Castleton said:

Southwark are giving residents a one off payment of £100 and everyone I ask has never heard of it!

 

I don't have the link anymore, but council website/cost of living crisis is probably where it is.

 

I answered a few questions, not many and received a letter to take to the Post Office. £100 cash payment.

When was this, and how did you hear about it? I can't see anything on their website mentioning £100 cash payments?

[Castleton]

On 11/04/2023 at 14:12, Sue said:

When was this, and how did you hear about it? I can't see anything on their website mentioning £100 cash payments?

I got mine a couple of months ago. It's really hard to find although it was mentioned in a leaflet drop from the council that I assume every household received?

UPDATED TO SAY THE WINTER FUND IS CLOSED THE NEW 2023 FUND WILL REOPEN SOON. ASSUMONG THIS IS WHERE IT CAME FROM

Edited April 12, 2023 by Castleton
.

[IlonaM]

Useful article in the Independent last week re energy schemes and payment dates for next COL payments:

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/dwp-payment-dates-2023-april-b2324009.html

 

[IlonaM]

A couple of interesting articles in the Saturday Guardian:

1) The Green Doctor - 'Energy bills: how a visit from a ‘green doctor’ can help Britons save: The Groundwork charity gives free advice to households struggling with costs'

https://www.theguardian.com/money/2023/jul/01/energy-bills-green-doctor-save-groundwork-charity

2) 'Households urged to take meter readings as Ofgem price cap drops: With more expensive rate ending, such a move will avoid energy suppliers making estimation'

https://www.theguardian.com/money/2023/jun/30/households-urged-to-take-meter-readings-as-ofgem-price-cap-drops

[IlonaM]

Useful Independent article today: 'August dates for DWP cost of living payments, benefits and pensions

Food inflation lodged at 18.4 per cent, ONS warns, but supermarkets expect prices to begin to fall'

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/cost-of-living-payment-august-2023-b2369582.html

[IlonaM]

Guardian article in today's paper which may be of interest: 'How to save on food shopping: from discount apps and cashback to free stuff'

https://www.theguardian.com/money/2023/aug/26/save-food-shopping-food-apps-cashback-free-stuff-prices

[IlonaM]

A couple of articles re whether to fix your energy tariff or stick on the Price Cap which I found useful when looking at my own situation today:

1) Independent article: 'Energy bills forecast to stabilise but stay well above pre-pandemic levels', 27/07/2023

https://www.independent.co.uk/money/energy-bills-forecast-to-stabilise-but-stay-well-above-prepandemic-levels-b2383161.html

2) moneysavingexpert.com article: 'Should I fix my energy or stay on the Price Cap?', updated to 5th September & with a new 'Should you fix?' calculator

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/-are-there-any-cheap--fixed-energy-deals-currently-worth-it--/

Edited September 5, 2023 by IlonaM

[IlonaM]

Southwark Council COL support website updated for 2023-24: https://www.southwark.gov.uk/benefits-and-support/cost-of-living-support/financial-support-and-advice/southwark-council-cost-of-living-fund-scolf

See also: https://www.southwark.gov.uk/benefits-and-support/cost-of-living-support

 

Edited November 2, 2023 by IlonaM

[IlonaM]

Money Saving Expert advice re: fixing your energy tarif (updated  16th Nov 2023):

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/-are-there-any-cheap--fixed-energy-deals-currently-worth-it--/

 

I looked it up having just read a report in the Guardian on the latest predictions on the energy cap:

https://www.theguardian.com/money/2023/nov/16/energy-bills-great-britain-rise-january-cap-gas-prices

[IlonaM]

Guardian 23/11/2023: 'Ofgem energy price cap: what does the new year rise mean for households?'

https://www.theguardian.com/money/2023/nov/23/ofgem-energy-price-cap-what-does-the-new-year-rise-mean-for-uk-households

 

 

[Sue]

Thank you for carrying on posting these useful links, IlonaM.