Over the last 18 months, many of us have noticed increases to the cost of everyday bills. Whether this is the price of our weekly shop, filling the car with fuel, or heating our homes. We recognise that the 'cost of living' is causing strain and anxiety.
We have created this page to help you find out about and access support you might be entitled to. This page draws from information published by the Government, other charities, and the wider Church. We'll update this page as new information that might help becomes available.
Help with energy bills
Government schemes
The Government has put an Energy Price Guarantee in place until end of March 2024, as a safety net against future energy rises. For more details, please refer to: Energy Price Guarantee - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
You might be able to apply for further payments towards the cost of heating your home, depending on your personal circumstances. Please go to Grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills - Citizens Advice, to find out more about the targeted help available from the Government and local authorities (e.g. the Winter Fuel and Cold Weather payments).
Local grants
To find out if any local grants are available in your area, including for improving the energy efficiency of your home, head to Home energy grants — Simple Energy Advice
General tips and guidance
Tips and advice from Age UK on saving energy around your home can be found here, ageukig30_save_energy_pay_less_inf.pdf
Help with other bills and costs
Pensions Board help
If you are retired, and struggling financially but are not sure that you are in receipt of all the State benefits, you might be entitled to, please get in touch with us:
Email - [email protected]
Phone - 020 7898 1824.
We can help by looking at your financial situation, the benefits you are already in receipt of, and any other help that you might be able to access from the Church and other charities. For more information, please refer to: Welfare and Housing Support | The Church of England
We also offer some grants to help those in retirement who are on low income and have limited savings. More information is available here.
Charitable and Church help
There are a number of charities who support those who work or minister for the Church, and their families. Some offer financial grants towards specific needs. For instance the Foundation of Edward Storey might be able to help with a one-off grant to cover specific expenses if you meet their criteria. You can find out more about what they do, and how they can help you here.
Our Welfare Advice Officer, can also help with details of other charities who might be able to help you, depending on your circumstances. This might also include referrals to local Diocesan charities, where known to us, but for more details as to what help is available locally within the Church, please get in touch with your Diocese.
Government help
The Government is making extra payments to help those in receipt of certain benefits with everyday bills. Cost of Living Payment - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
For other Government support and guidance, please go to: https://www.gov.uk/cost-of-living
General tips and guidance
Money Saving Expert provides people with guidance on how to save money from tips and deals.See if you can save money here
The MoneyHelper website offers tips and guidance to help with managing your personal finances across a range of topics. Free and impartial help with money, backed by the government | MoneyHelper
This website has a section around Managing your money in uncertain times | MoneyHelper, including help with managing bills and payments.