Cost of living support

There isn’t a quick fix when it comes to reducing costs, but small changes can really add up.

Heat yourself, not the whole home.
If you’re spending time at home, try adding extra layers before turning the heating up. Use a hot water bottle, keep a blanket or throw close by, or consider a heated throw. Heated throws are inexpensive to run and can be a much cheaper way to stay warm than using central heating.

Make the most of your oven.
If you’re using the oven, try to cook more than one meal at a time. Batch cooking and freezing portions for later can save both time and energy. Where possible, use a slow cooker instead of the oven, it runs for longer but costs much less to use.

Boil only what you need.
Fill the kettle with just the amount of water you need. Or, boil a full kettle once and pour the extra hot water into a flask for later.

Use less hot water.
If you take baths, swapping to showers can help reduce costs. If you already use the shower, keeping them a little shorter can make a difference.

Get free water‑saving gadgets.
Water companies offer free water‑saving devices through the Save Water Save Money scheme. Items include water‑efficient shower heads, tap inserts and garden hose nozzles. Using less hot water can also help lower your energy bills. Visit savewatersavemoney.co.uk

Get free energy support through LEAP.
LEAP is a free service that helps households stay warm and reduce energy bills at no cost. Find out more at applyforleap.org.uk

Reduce food waste and save money.
Understanding food labels can help. Use By dates are about safety and should be followed, but Best Before dates are only a guide to quality. Food is often still perfectly fine to eat after its Best Before date, as long as it’s stored properly and looks and smells okay.

Find low‑cost food with Too Good To Go.
Too Good To Go is a free app that helps reduce food waste by selling surplus food from supermarkets, cafés and restaurants at the end of the day for a much lower price. You pay through the app and collect from the shop.
Some great deals are available – for example, fruit and veg boxes worth around £15 being sold for just a few pounds. Find out more at toogoodtogo.co.uk

Share and save with Olio.
Olio is a free app where people give away food and household items they no longer need. Food may come from local people having a clear‑out or from Olio Food Waste Heroes, who collect surplus food from supermarkets.
You can browse what’s available in your area and request items for free, often including bread, fruit, vegetables and chilled food, then arrange a local collection.

Shop around for better value.
If you haven’t tried Lidl or Aldi, it’s worth giving them a go. They’re often much cheaper than larger supermarkets, and independent surveys regularly rate them among the UK’s lowest‑cost retailers for everyday items.

Try the ‘Downshift Challenge’.
This means swapping down brand levels when shopping - for example, from ‘finest’ to branded, branded to own‑brand, or own‑brand to basic. If you can’t taste the difference, stick with the cheaper option.
This approach can cut grocery bills significantly, and it works just as well for toiletries and cleaning products too.

Check you’re getting the right benefits
Even if you’re working or think you won’t qualify, it’s always worth checking what support you may be entitled to. Many people qualify for help without realising, and even a small amount of benefit can unlock extra support such as Council Tax Reduction or discounted utility tariffs.
You can use the free, confidential benefits calculator on the GOV.UK website to see what you might be able to claim: gov.uk/benefits-calculators

Get help with water bills
Water companies offer financial support for customers on low incomes or certain benefits. This support can significantly reduce your water bill, sometimes for up to two years.
Each supplier runs its own scheme, so check your water company’s website for details. For example, South Staffs Water offers support through its Water Assist / Water Assure tariff.

Free advice from Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice provides up‑to‑date, independent guidance on grants, benefits and support to help pay energy bills. Their website explains what help is available and how to access it.
Find out more at: citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/get-help-paying-your-bills/grants-and-benefits-to-help-you-pay-your-energy-bills/