Over the last year, 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. Costs seem set to continue to increase, and this may cause you further strain or 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
In Autumn 2022, the Government announced a new Energy Price Guarantee for UK households. For more details, and the latest information on the Guarantee please look here (Energy bills support factsheet - 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:
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 help
There are a number of charities that can help in a variety of ways. One is the Foundation of Edward Storey. You can find out more about what they do, and how they can help you here.
Church help
In October 2022, the Church of England announced that it would make further funding available to Diocese and parishes to help cover the increased cost of heating church buildings, along with allowing continued support to clergy and lay ministers who are struggling with the cost of household bills with rising costs. https://www.churchofengland.org/media-and-news/press-releases/new-ps15-million-fund-help-churches-energy-bills-announced
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.