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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)

City of Lincoln West Lindsey  The logo for East Lindsey District Council       The logo for South Kesteven District Council The logo for North Kesteven District CouncilThe logo for Boston Borough Council    The logo for South Holland District Council

 

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.

Social Tariffs by Ofcom

Ofcom has a list of social tariffs that show cheaper broadband and phone packages for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits. These are delivered in the same way as normal packages, just at a lower price and are often labelled 'essential' or 'basic' packages. Social tariffs: Cheaper broadband and phone packages - Ofcom (www.ofcom.org.uk).

Pension Credit

If you are over State Pension age, you may be eligible to claim Pension Credit, even if you own your home or have savings. People who claim Pension Credit may also be able to get other help with:

For eligibility visit Pension Credit: Eligibility - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) or call 0800 99 1234

Greater Lincolnshire Food Partnership

GLFP

The Greater Lincolnshire Food Partnership have set out all of the currently available foodbanks and affordable food providers in Greater Lincolnshire. You can look through this by viewing the map of the region or by scrolling through all the information broken down by geographical area (BostonEast LindseyLincolnNorth East LincolnshireNorth KestevenNorth LincolnshireSouth HollandSouth Kesteven and West Lindsey). Visit their website for details of a foodbank near you Foodbanks & affordable food across Greater Lincolnshire – Greater Lincolnshire Food Partnership

Household Support Fund 

The Lincolnshire Community Foundation began supporting the distribution of the Household Support Funds in March 2023 collaborating with district councils in East Lindsey, Boston Borough, South Holland, South Kesteven and West Lindsey to support those households most in need. As an independent charity, this support in funding is directly aligned with allocation by these District Councils. More details on funding will be announced soon. If you need to discuss this further, please contact the Household Support Fund team on 01529 572575 or email hsf@lincolnshirecf.co.uk.

Visit the Government website for an overview of  Cost of Living Support and the Government’s Help for Households

Free home energy checks from Age UK's Warm and Wise team    Age UK Lincoln & South Lincolnshire logo

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.

Age UK's Warm and Wise project

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      Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire logo

Energy Referral

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:

www.citizensadvicesouthlincs.org.uk/energy-referral-form

This is subject to adviser availability. We will keep you updated if demand exceeds resource.

 

Tackling Hardship For Older People Referral

If you are aged over 65, you can self refer to Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire's Tackling Hardship For Older People provision.

Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire will support you with the following:

  • Welfare benefits (e.g. benefit checks, housing benefits, council tax support)
  • Support with home adaptations
  • Energy saving schemes
  • Form filling (e.g. blue badge, attendance allowance)
  • Income maximisation and cost of living

Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire can also offer food bank vouchers, energy vouchers and small grants for things like white goods and making your living environment more comfortable.

You can self refer by calling 0808 278 7966 and asking for a home visit or you can fill in a quick referral form by clicking the link below:

Tackling Hardship For Older People Referral Form

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.

There is a Holiday Activities and Food Programme for children eligible for benefits-related free school meals

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.

Details can also be found Cost of living – Lincolnshire County Council

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