Cost of Living Support
Lincolnshire councils, alongside stakeholder groups including the Integrated Care Board, health and care providers, faith and community groups, charities and local businesses have come together to help support residents.
A taskforce was set up to review the potential impacts caused by the cost of living through the autumn/winter 2022 and to harness effort across all partners to help in supporting, where possible, the communities of Lincolnshire. The work of the taskforce and the associated resources and support available can still be accessed here.
Cost of living – Lincolnshire County Council (lincolnshire.gov.uk)
For Lincolnshire District Councils - Cost of Living Support pages (click on the logos below)
Money Saving Guide
You might be able to claim extra benefits to help increase your income, get discounts, or find quick, simple ways to reduce your outgoings. Whether you’re worried about rising rents, covering higher energy costs or tackling debt, the information, contacts and practical ideas within this money saving guide will help you to keep on top of your money – and your health – so that it all adds up.
Household Support Fund launched in South, East and West Lincolnshire.
The Lincolnshire Community Foundation will be distributing vital funds of up to £300 to individuals and families, who have not received any cost of living support previously nor qualify for any other benefit or income support. The funds are available to those living in the Boston Borough, or the districts of East Lindsey, West Lindsey, South Holland and South Kesteven, through funding from South, East and West Lincolnshire and South Kesteven Councils via the UK Government.
Applications are assessed monthly and funding can not be guaranteed to every application made. Apply via the Lincolnshire Community Foundation Website www.lincolnshirecf.co.uk. The scheme is now open until March 2024. If you do not have access to the website, contact the Grants team on 01529 305825 or email katie@lincolnshirecf.co.uk
Free home energy checks from Age UK's Warm and Wise team
If you are aged 50 or over and living in Lincoln and the South Lincolnshire area, Age UK can provide personalised support for those needing free energy saving advice, help with meter readings and navigating energy bills. The Warm and Wise team can also help to check for eligible benefits and grants for new boilers, and also install energy saving devices if the need is identified through an energy efficiency home check. Find further information on the Age UK website at Warm & Wise project services or telephone 03455 564 144, Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm.
Warm Welcome Spaces
The Warm Welcome Spaces portal allows residents to find warm space locations in their community.
For a list of organisations and venues registered as a warm space, go to: https://www.warmwelcome.uk/#find-a-space
To register your Warm Welcome Space, go to: https://www.warmwelcome.uk/#register-your-space
Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire
As it continues to turn colder, more people will begin to worry about their energy bills. The cost-of-living crisis is squeezing household incomes tighter than ever and energy is a growing concern. At Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire, we can offer energy advice. Our Adviser can help with energy savings tips, ensuring people are getting all the help they need from their supplier and identifying any grants or available support. 'To refer someone for an energy advice appointment, please complete the link below
https://www.citizensadvicesouthlincs.org.uk/energy-referral-form/
This is subject to adviser availability. We will keep you updated if demand exceeds resource.
Wheels for Life
Many of us know the benefits of cycling upon our health, wellbeing and social mobility, but finances don't always allow us to have the use of a bicycle. Wheels for life is a bike donation scheme refurbishes pre-loved bikes and distributes them free to people who would otherwise not be able to access or afford one. For more information about how to refer someone for a free bike, to donate a bike or more information, visit Public and community transport | Lincolnshire Wheels for Life information on (connecttosupport.org)
Useful Resources
For information about managing money and debt, support with energy and household costs, and help with housing, visit our Managing Money and Debt page.
If you need to ask your bank to pay particular bills out of your account, National Debtline have a sample letter template you can use: https://nationaldebtline.org/sample-letters/ask-your-bank-pay-particular-bills/
For mental health information and support, visit our Mental Health page.
For steps to stay fire safe, see Cost of Living: Steps to stay fire safe (England) (National Fire Chiefs Council)
For advice and support for families regarding their childcare costs, visit Childcare Choices
For information about being active and moving more for less, visit Cost of Living - Let’s Move Lincolnshire (letsmovelincolnshire.com)
Find out more about the The Big Energy Saving Network, returning this winter.
For support and information about foodbanks in Lincolnshire, see Lincolnshire Food Partnership's foodbanks map.
For free advice and support if you are experiencing issues with home energy or are living in, or at risk of living in fuel poverty, visit Better Housing Better Health (BHBH).
Find further information on Help to Save - the government savings scheme for low-income earners.