Image
Earlier this week, inflation hit 11.1 per cent as prices and bills continue to rise, meaning it will be a tough winter for many.
During the Autumn Statement yesterday (Thursday) chancellor Jeremy Hunt outlined tax changes and initiatives such as the government’s new energy price guarantee, which will see the typical annual household energy bill rise to £3,000 from April.
Additional cost-of-living payments will be made to the most vulnerable, but millions will still face higher bills.
There is a round-up of what the Autumn Statement means for you on the BBC website.
As a council, we're also reflecting on what the announcements mean for our organisation.
This might be a worrying time, especially with Christmas approaching, but help is out there.
A wide range of advice and information is available on our website but sometimes speaking to someone in-person can be more helpful.
We’re hosting a drop-in cost of living event at The Stable, in Wadham Street, Weston-super-Mare, from 11am to 3pm on Thursday 8 December, so you can speak directly to key organisations who could help.
Exhibitors include Alliance Homes, Bristol Water and Wessex Water, Christians Against Poverty, Citizens Advice North Somerset, Community Connect (advice for over 50s), Housing Solutions, Lendology, VitaMinds (NHS mental health support), Westcountry Savings and Loans, and more.
A raffle will also be held on the day, with a slow cooker and air fryer up for grabs as prizes.
We’ve also worked with organisations and groups across the area to launch more than 50 warm spaces.
Libraries, community centres, places of worship and many more are opening their doors as safe, welcoming, non-judgemental places for people to pop in.
Anyone who is feeling the cold is welcome to go and get warm, enjoy a little company and some hot refreshments.
Find out more about the scheme and see a map of venues on our website.
Outreach sessions have also started in North Somerset for those who are in recovery or dealing with life’s challenges.
The Step Forward sessions are run by Voluntary Action North Somerset (VANS).
Sessions take place on Mondays between 10am and noon. Upcoming dates are:
- The Barn, Clevedon – 21 November, 19 December, 16 January, 20 February and 20 March
- Greta Lewis Room, Yatton library – 28 November, 23 January 27 February and 27 March
- 65 High Street, Nailsea – 5 December, 6 February and 6 March
- Old School Rooms, Congresbury – 12 December, 9 January, 13 February and 13 March.
Walk-ins welcome but to secure an appointment email debbie.evans@vansmail.org.uk or call 01934 416 486.
Lots of information and advice is available online too.
If you’re worried about the rising price of food, the Better Health North Somerset website has guidance and advice, as well as links to local community fridges for discounted food.
The Too Good To Go app is also a way to get food at a great price and avoid wastage.
As we get into winter, the Energy Saving Trust also has some quick tips on ways to save energy.
The BBC has a round-up of tips with a personalised guide to saving money and six things you can do as prices rise.
You could also sign up to weekly emails from Martin Lewis, the Money Saving Expert for his latest advice.