Cost of Living Crisis: What’s Going Up & How to Get Help

The cost of living crisis continues to hit families hard and unfortunately it is unlikely to let up any time soon. In this blog we’ll take a look at what costs are rising, and the help you may be able to access if you find yourself struggling.

In May this year, inflation hit a 40-year high of 9.1%, driven upwards by the unprecedented rise in the energy price cap the previous month.

Millions of people in the UK are finding themselves in poverty, food banks are low on food due to high demand and falling donations, people are skipping meals as they try to spend less on food, and people are taking desperate measures like starting open fires in their living rooms to avoid sky-rocketing household bills.

So what costs are going up, and why?

Energy bills are rising due to the global rise in the cost of wholesale oil and gas. This has meant that the energy providers have had to fork out more money to purchase the energy that they supply to households. These costs are then passed onto consumers in the form of higher energy bills.

Unfortunately, it looks as though energy bills will continue to rise for some time yet, with a higher price-cap likely to come into force this October.

Rent, household bills, and mortgages are also on the rise. The average rent outside of London is 10.8% higher than one year ago, with Rightmove saying that the rental market is the most competitive ever recorded.

Private tenants on lower incomes are particularly at risk, with lots finding themselves priced out of affordable homes, as well as facing unreasonable selection criteria from landlords.

Costs have also been pushed up further by an increase in council tax bills, with two-thirds of councils raising rates by up to 2.99%.

With the Bank of England raising the base interest rate in an attempt to tackle inflation, those with mortgages are also facing higher repayments.

Grocery prices have also risen at their fastest rate in over 8 years, and during February this hit 4.3%; the steepest rise since September 2013. With inflation likely to hit another record high, and the conflict in Ukraine disrupting supply chains, prices are expected to continue rising for the foreseeable future.

If you find yourself struggling financially, there are many ways to seek help.

When it comes to energy bills, there are a number of government schemes you may be able to apply for, including the Warm Home Discount and the Winter Fuel Payment.

All households will receive a £400 grant later this year to assist with everyday costs, and people living with disabilities, those of pension age, and people in receipt of benefits will receive extra help.

You can also take a look at this list of schemes and grants for help paying your energy bills.

If you find yourself struggling to pay your water bill, the first people to contact are your water suppliers. They have schemes available to help their customers pay their bills.

To help you with your rent, you may be able to get help through claiming universal credit; or if you already receive this and it doesn’t cover housing costs, you may be able to access a discretionary housing payment through your local council.

Council tax relief is also available from your local authority if you find yourself struggling to keep up with payments.

The Trussell Trust is the UK’s largest food bank organisation and you can find a list of food banks here if you’re struggling to buy groceries. You can also check with your local council to see if they are able to offer any help, even if you are not in receipt of any benefits.

Do also check Martin Lewis’ guide to surviving the cost of living crisis, and this guide by Citizens Advice.

Finally, never hesitate to contact us here at Hartlepool Food Network if you find yourself short on food. If we are unable to help you directly, we can point you in the direction of an organisation that can.