You can’t have escaped the news that the cost of living is increasing. From rising rent and energy bills to the price of food and fuel going up, it’s likely we’re all seeing an impact on our household budgets. We know how hard this is hitting the pocket, so we’ve put together some tips to make sure your money goes a little further.
If you're struggling to pay for essential items such as food, gas or electricity, please get in touch with us. Our Housing Support and Financial Inclusion teams are here to help you. Call us on 0300 330 7003 or complete our online form and someone will get in touch with you: Our housing support service
Many people think that you can only claim benefits if you're not working. That's not true, and millions are missing out on thousands of pounds that they're entitled.
Our claiming benefits has information on how you can find out what you might be entitled to claim.
This section includes information on:
- Government support available, including Cost of Living payments and the Energy Bill Rebate Scheme.
- Paying your energy bills, including charitable trusts, and the Priority Services Register.
- Cutting your water bills, including water meters, the reduced tariffs available, and Anglian Water's Extra Care Support team.
- Reducing your Council Tax bill, including reductions and hardship payments.
- Cheaper broadband and phone tariffs.
- Cutting car and transport costs.
Information and tips to help boost your income, including:
- Checking you're not being underpaid if you earn National Minimum wage
- Checking whether you could claim any benefits
- Getting help with childcare costs
- Making sure you're not overpaying for prescriptions
- Claiming the marriage tax allowance
- Claiming tax rebates
If you're facing higher bills, your money isn't going as far as it was before, and you're worrying how to make ends meet, you're not alone.
The managing your money page has tips to help you feel in control of your finances again.
Preventing damp and mould
If you would like more information on how to tackle damp and condensation, please watch the video below.
If you're struggling to pay for essential items such as food, gas or electricity, please get in touch with us. Our Housing Support and Financial Inclusion teams are here to help you. Call us on 0300 330 7003 or complete our online form and someone will get in touch with you: Our housing support service
In addition to the help we can provide, there are a range of other organisations who may be able to help you.
- Citizens Advice Northampton - 03444 889 629 or 03444 111 444
- Community Law Service - provides welfare benefits, debt, housing, energy, and immigration advice. Call on 01604 621038 Monday - Thursday 10am - 2pm, or Friday 10am - 1pm, or email on enquiries@communitylawservice.org.uk
- National DebtLine - provides free and independent debt advice over the phone or online. They also have useful information and fact sheets to help you. Call on 0808 808 4000 or go to their website to chat to an adviser.
- Food Aid Alliance West Northants (FAAWN) - a group of around 40 food aid providers, including foodbanks, social supermarkets and community lunch clubs, who can help people in Northamptonshire.
- Northamptonshire Energy Saving Service (NESS) - NESS delivers energy advice, income maximisation and practical measures to help improve the warmth of homes. Contact the team through their website, by calling 01604 623700 or by emailing enquiries@nessteam.org.uk
Damp, mould and condensation are caused by normal household activities and the moisture they produce.
The Centre for Sustainable Energy has put together some useful advice on how to reduce moisture in the home.
The problem can get worse in the winter if your home is unheated. We understand that rising energy costs are difficult to afford. Please contact us on 0300 330 7003 for support if you feel you cannot heat your home. We're here to help.