Jump to content

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


Recommended Posts

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 by IlonaM
  • Administrator

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.

  • Like 1

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

  • 2 months later...

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.'

  • 3 weeks later...

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

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.'

  • 1 month later...

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.'

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

  • 2 months later...

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.

  • 2 weeks later...
  • Administrator

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.

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

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?

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 by Castleton
.
  • 2 weeks later...
  • 2 months later...

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

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

  • 1 month later...

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

  • 2 weeks later...

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 by IlonaM
  • 1 month later...
  • 2 weeks later...

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Latest Discussions

    • The current wave of xenophobia is due to powerful/influential people stirring up hatred.  It;'s what happened in the past, think 1930s Germany.  It seems to be even easier now as so many get their information from social media, whether it is right or wrong.  The media seeking so called balance will bring some nutter on, they don't then bring a nutter on to counteract that. They now seem to turn to Reform at the first opportunity. So your life is 'shite', let;s blame someone else.  Whilst sounding a bit like a Tory, taking some ownership/personal responsibility would be a start.  There are some situations where that may be more challenging, in deindustrialised 'left behind' wasteland we can't all get on our bikes and find work.  But I loathe how it is now popular to blame those of us from relatively modest backgrounds, like me, who did see education and knowledge as a way to self improve. Now we are seen by some as smug liberals......  
    • Kwik Fit buggered up an A/C leak diagnosis for me (saying there wasn't one, when there was) and sold a regas. The vehicle had to be taken to an A/C specialist for condensor replacement and a further regas. Not impressed.
    • Yes, these are all good points. I agree with you, that division has led us down dangerous paths in the past. And I deplore any kind of racism (as I think you probably know).  But I feel that a lot of the current wave of xenophobia we're witnessing is actually more about a general malaise and discontent. I know non-white people around here who are surprisingly vocal about immigrants - legal or otherwise. I think this feeling transcends skin colour for a lot of people and isn't as simple as, say, the Jew hatred of the 1930s or the Irish and Black racism that we saw laterally. I think people feel ignored and looked down upon.  What you don't realise, Sephiroth, is that I actually agree with a lot of what you're saying. I just think that looking down on people because of their voting history and opinions is self-defeating. And that's where Labour's getting it wrong and Reform is reaping the rewards.   
    • @Sephiroth you made some interesting points on the economy, on the Lammy thread. Thought it worth broadening the discussion. Reeves (irrespective of her financial competence) clearly was too downbeat on things when Labour came into power. But could there have been more honesty on the liklihood of taxes going up (which they have done, and will do in any case due to the freezing of personal allowances).  It may have been a silly commitment not to do this, but were you damned if you do and damned if you don't?
Home
Events
Sign In

Sign In



Or sign in with one of these services

Search
×
    Search In
×
×
  • Create New...