Help with rising costs

posted in: Finance, News |

The rising cost of living is having a devastating impact on many households up and down the country. In this article, we have researched ways in which you can help stem the flow of cash and make your money stretch further.

Council tax rebate

Most households in England will receive a £150 council tax rebate. The council tax rebate will apply from April to homes in council tax bands A to D, benefiting about 80% of households. It will be made directly by local authorities and will not need to be repaid. More info

Check your eligibility for the single person discount on council tax

If you are single, check your eligibility for a discount on your council tax – more info

Discretionary housing payments – from Slough Borough Council

How to apply for council tax support – from Slough Borough Council

What to do if you’re struggling to pay your energy bills – from MoneySavingExpert.com

  • Talk to your supplier as early as possible – they have to help if you’re struggling
  • On prepay and struggling to pay? Your supplier must help as well.
  • Most energy suppliers offer hardship funds if you’re in debt
  • Households to get up £350 help this year to help with rising energy prices – more info 
  • Check if you can get £140 towards energy bills each winter with the Warm Home Discount – more info
  • If there’s someone aged 66 or older in the home, you could get up to £300 with the winter fuel payment
  • Older people and those on certain benefits could get £25 during freezing weather – more info
  • Help for vulnerable households this winter from your local council – more info
  • Where to go for free one-on-one energy and debt advice
  • You could get up to 60 days’ respite from debts with the breathing space scheme
  • You can pay energy bills direct from your benefits to help with budgeting
  • Check if you can get free insulation or boiler grants to make your home more energy efficient
  • See if you’re eligible to join the Priority Services Register
  • Make sure you only pay for the energy you use – do regular meter readings
  • Pay by monthly direct debit if you can – it can be £90+/year cheaper
  • Using less energy is a simple way to save on bills


Make your home more energy efficient, reduce your carbon emissions and lower your energy bills – from the Energy Saving Trust


Find a Food Bank

Food banks are grassroots, community organisations aimed at supporting people who cannot afford the essentials in life. Find more info about Slough Food Bank

For food banks outside Slough, visit The Trussell Trust website to locate your nearest food bank.

Changing your water bill to a meter

You can achieve a significant reduction in your water bill, by changing from a set fee to a water meter – more info from Thames Water

10-minute benefits check – from MoneySavingExpert.com

It’s a common misconception that benefits are only available if you’re out of work – but even some families with an income of £50,000 or more can qualify for help. With the cost of living rising, it’s more important than ever to know what you’re entitled to. Make sure you’re not missing out – this 10-minute calculator will show you what you might qualify for and how much you could get – more info

How to manage your money – Budget Planner from MoneySavingExpert.com

Other money saving tips:

  • Turn appliances off when not in use
  • Keep the same phone and switch to sim-only when your contract is up
  • You don’t need to pay a TV license if you don’t watch live TV or BBC iPlayer
  • If you need 2 or more prescriptions a month you can apply for a prepayment certificate to save at least £10 a month – more info