Helping you tackle the cost of living crisis

Some external organisations who offer different forms of help and support to those who have been impacted by the rising costs are Citizens Advice Bucks, Cost of Living Support, Social phone tariffs, Aylesbury foodbank and Chiltern foodbank. Buckinghamshire Council also has a dedicated section on their website with which provides information about support with food, fuel and household bills plus finding a place to keep warm. The Helping Hand team at Buckinghamshire Council and the Heart of Bucks Community Foundation can help those who are experiencing a financial crisis. 

We understand that the cost of living increase continues to impact everyone across our communities in lots of different ways. With this in mind, we've been working with our Welfare Team to create this Cost of Living Toolkit Booklet which can be found below. It is full of helpful tips, useful resources and some practical activities, including a pull-out cost saving tracker. If you would like to print these resources off please click on the following links:

Cost of Living Toolkit Booklet A5.pdf [pdf] 3MB

Cost of Living Tracker Digital A3.pdf [pdf] 1MB

Don't forget to check that you’re claiming all benefits that you are eligible for such as Universal Credit and Pension Credit as well as seeing if you could be eligible for a Council Tax reduction.

When budgeting, consider if downsizing would work for you. A smaller property usually means smaller bills. Contact our Housing Management Service if you’d like to discuss downsizing.

Energy and fuel debt

Tell your energy supplier straight away. Explain you’re struggling and ask for an affordable repayment plan, a temporary payment break, or a fuel voucher if you use a prepayment meter. Suppliers must treat energy arrears as a priority and can offer support options. Join the Priority Services Register (PSR) if you’re vulnerable (e.g., health issues, disability, pregnancy, or over state pension age). It gives extra protections and extra practical help from suppliers.

Check eligibility for one-off help schemes such as the Warm Home Discount or other government/energy supplier grants. These can reduce bills or give cash/credit. Your supplier or Citizens Advice can check eligibility. Buckinghamshire Council has more information and resources on their website.

Get free debt advice now — call a national debt advice helpline for step-by-step options (including negotiating with suppliers and specialist letters). National Debtline is free on 0808 808 4000 or visit the National Debtline website for more advice.

Food and groceries

Below are some money saving times:

Create a weekly shopping list to stay on track, impulse buying adds up fast.

Buy own brand where possible - supermarket labels are often made by the major manufactures and taste as good.

Utilise apps and loyalty cards.

Batch cook and freeze - saves energy and reduces waste.

Shop late in the day - many stores offer discounts on fresh items before closing.

Foodbanks – contact our Welfare Team, visit the Community Hub or check out our Foodbank page for more information.  

Olio is a UK-based free app that connects neighbours to share surplus food and household items to reduce waste. You can get and give away items for free, and buy and sell pre-loved goods through the app. The app is used for free food, books, clothes, toys, and more, and has a network of "Food Waste Heroes" who rescue unsold food from local businesses. 

Household bills

Review subscriptions and cancel any unused streaming or app services.

Try and negotiate contracts - broadband, contents insurance, phone plans. Automatic renewals can.

Cashback sites - have a look at cashback sites to see if you are eligible and check rewards with your own bank where you can sometimes get discounts or cashback.

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