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Earlier this week, mortgage rates rose to their highest level for 15 years, as a result of rising interest rates and continued inflation.
We want to do all we can to help residents with energy, food, water, transport and housing bills, and are still working with partner organisations to offer more support.
Financial help for struggling households
Households most in need across North Somerset will get further support thanks to a another £2.6m we’ve been awarded from the government.
This is on top of the £4m we’ve received in previous years.
The money will be spent supporting our most vulnerable residents, including families with children, pensioners, care leavers, children eligible for free school meals, as well as those ‘just about managing’.
It’s being distributed through fixed automatic food vouchers to individuals on certain benefits as well grants to organisations, including the Handy Person service, Salvation Army, Fuel Bank and Citizens Advice Bureau Surviving Winter grant.
A portion of this funding is allocated to residents who are financially vulnerable but do not meet one of the identified categories for support.
If you are ‘just about managing’ apply for our welfare provision scheme online.
The amount you get will depend on your individual circumstances.
Food support
If you’re worried about the rising price of food, guidance and advice is available on our website.
With the school summer holidays around the corner, Money Saving Central has updated its list of supermarkets and restaurants where children can eat for free or £1 until September.
Links to local community fridges for discounted food are also available on the Better Health North Somerset website.
Understanding energy prices
From the start of this month, the energy price cap has been reduced to £2,074 a year for an average household.
This is the price set by the energy industry regulator Ofgem every three months to limit how much you pay for each unit of electric and gas you use, as well as setting a maximum daily standing charge.
However, the price cap is not the maximum you’ll pay for your energy bill. This still depends on how much you use.
To help understand this, a price cap calculator to help you work out your energy costs is on the MoneySavingExpert website.
Gambling risk during rising cost of living
Have you or someone you know turned to gambling to try and cope with the cost of living?
According to the gambling charity GamCare, some people are turning to gambling to try and cope with rising costs.
However, the reality is that gambling will only make your financial situation worse.
There’s also growing concern among charities that more women are resorting to harmful gambling to make ends meet.
According to reports, 24 per cent of female gamblers aged 18-49 are expected to increase their activity due to rising costs, while 12 per cent of women in this age group already rely on gambling as a source of household income.
If you need gambling support visit the GamCare website or call 0808 8020 133, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Low-cost broadband and mobile phone packages
Reduced social tariffs are available to people on certain benefits to help them stay connected with their broadband and phone services
The government is working with providers to offer social tariffs and Connecting Devon and Somerset has a round-up of who might be eligible and which providers are participating in the scheme.
Use non-barcoded stamps by end of month
Do you still have first and second-class stamps with The Queen’s profile on?
If you have old non-barcoded stamps in your purse or at home they need using before Tuesday 1 August.
If you don't think you'll use them in time, apply for the Royal Mail's Swap Out scheme.
More information is available on the MoneySavingExpert website.
Quick links
- Free, independent and confidential advice on a wide range of matters, including housing, debt, benefits and law, is available through the Citizen’s Advice Bureau.
- The National Debtline agency may help you to apply for ‘breathing space’ to sort out your debt problems.
- Find out if you’re entitled to any additional benefits to boost your income.
- If you, or someone you know, is being threatened with homelessness due to rent or mortgage arrears, contact the council’s homeless prevention team on 01934 426 330 or hp.triage@n-somerset.gov.uk
- North Somerset Together can provide practical support through a network of local volunteers.
- North Somerset Council has worked with the Independent Food Aid Network and the Trussell Trust to produce a leaflet to help if you’re worried about money.
- Sign up to weekly emails from MoneySavingExpert’s Martin Lewis.
Find a round-up of advice and guidance on our website or follow #NorthSomersetTogether on our Facebook or Twitter pages.