The government has set up multiple programmes to help support families, especially lower income families, with the cost of living. For more information visit, Help for Households - Get government cost of living support
There is a cost of living payments scheme if you're entitled to certain benefits or tax credits.
East Hampshire District Council has also put together advice on cost of living support
Additional Support
Extra funding has been made available to local councils through the Household Support Fund to help the most vulnerable to cover their essential daily costs, like energy bills. Locally, this is being provided through Hampshire County Council's CONNECT4COMMUNITES programme.
Those on benefits may also be eligible for an interest free BUDGETING LOAN through the DWP to help pay for things such as travel costs or buying furniture and white goods.
For job seekers, there is a special FLEXIBLE SUPPORT FUND that can help with the costs of finding a job, such as travel, childcare or clothing. More information on how to apply is available via Job Centres.
There are also useful benefit calculators for people to check they are getting the right help. These include TURN2US and ENTILTEDTO
Energy Costs
Advice for domestic customers from OFGEM
Broadband and Mobile Costs
Some providers offer SOCIAL TARIFFS to customers who receive certain benefits.
Comparison Websites
There are many comparison sites to check the best deals for many household costs, including energy suppliers, broadband and mobile providers, and insurance cover:
https://www.comparethemarket.com
https://www.moneysupermarket.com
For further advice and tips go to the Money Saving Expert website, including a weekly email service. More details at https://www.moneysavingexpert.com
To compare food prices across different supermarkets, go to https://supermarketwizard.com
Banking and Loans
As not-for-profit cooperatives, community banks can be an alternative way to save and borrow, including the Hampshire-based WESSEX COMMUNITY BANK
Other not-for-profit lenders include the PARITY TRUST who offer a range of loan and mortgage services
Debt Advice
Government advice on paying off debts: https://www.gov.uk/options-for-paying-off-your-debts
MoneyHelper tool to find free debt advice: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/money-troubles/dealing-with-debt/debt…
Age UK debt service: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/debt-savings/de…
Citizens Advice: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/east-hampshire/
CAP UK: https://capuk.org/get-help/cap-debt-help (general advice, with a dedicated Debt Coach for the Alton area)
Holiday Activities
The Department for Education (DfE) funds local holiday activity programmes (HAF) for disadvantaged children during the school holidays. The Hampshire County Council HAF programme can be viewed here.
HAMPSHIRE LIBRARIES also offer a range of free events and programmes.
Other ways to cut costs
Tesco Clubcard points can be used towards a Friends & Family Railcard or Senior Railcard (https://secure.tesco.com/clubcard/browse/travel/4294967286.cat?icid=CCSV_Stamp_Travel)
Some discounts available through membership of groups like the AA (https://www.theaa.com/smart-benefits) or RAC (https://www.rac.co.uk/breakdown-cover/enjoymore)
For tips on how to save money on everyday spending from online shopping, cash back sites to entertainment, go to: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/shopping/chat-tips-gold/
