Supporting you through the rising cost of living

Household Support Fund 2023/24 - update

Details of the Household Support Fund for 2023/2024 have been released and we have received details of the council's allocation and the grant conditions. We are currently reviewing how to meet these new grant conditions in order to ensure we are supporting people in the county that are facing challenges with the impact of the cost-of-living increases. Previous allocations may not be replicated but we haven't finalised all the details and arrangements yet, but when we have we will share all the relevant information and update this page.

Council tax

• Discounts and exemptions - find out if you qualify for a council tax percentage of discount or a complete exemption from paying council tax.
• Council tax energy rebate payment - the discretionary energy rebate scheme for households within council tax bands E to H is now open

Benefits

• GOV.UK - Universal Credit - monthly payment to help with your living costs if you are of working age. If you don't have enough to live on while you wait for your first payment (or first payment after notifying of a change in circumstances) you may be able to get an advance of your first Universal Credit payment.
• Housing benefit - If you are on a low income, even if you are working, you may be able to get help with your rental costs.

Financial support

• GOV.UK: Help for Households - information on the cost-of-living support from the government that you could be eligible for
• Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS AF) and Alternative Fuels Payment (AFP) - information about the Government's Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS AF) and Alternative Fuels Payment (AFP), providing energy bills support to those who haven't received automatic financial assistance from any energy support schemes
• GOV.UK: Cost of living support - find out what support is available to help with the cost of living. This includes income and disability benefits, bills and allowances, childcare, housing and travel.
• Household Support Fund - information about the Winter 2022/23 Household Support Fund which will help ensure as many people as possible have all the essentials they need. 
• Money navigator tool - Money Helper UK provides guidance based upon individual circumstances and help find support in your area.
• I'm worried about debt - support if you are struggling with debt
• Help in a crisis - local welfare provision providing support to people in crisis
• Healthy Start (NHS): How to apply - Get help to buy food and milk. The Healthy Start pre-paid card can be used to spend on healthy foods and to receive free vitamins for those who are pregnant and children under the age of four.
• Early Years funding for 3 and 4 year olds - entitlement is for all children aged up to three and four for up to 15 hours free childcare per week. Or 570 hours per annum, 38 weeks of the year
• 30 hours childcare offer for eligible families to extend their three and four year old funding up to 30 hours per week.
• Early years pupil premium - for early years providers delivering the funded hours to eligible three and four year olds. The payment goes to the setting to support your child.
• Scope disability energy support - free energy and water advice to disabled people, helping  to manage energy and water needs

Free sims and mobile data from Wiltshire libraries

Wiltshire Libraries are working with the Good Things Foundation to distribute free SIMs and mobile data to people in need. The National Databank scheme is supported by UK mobile networks including Vodafone, O2 and Three.

The free SIMs and mobile data are available from Chippenham, Devizes, Salisbury, Trowbridge and Warminster libraries.

To be able to access the National Databank you must be 18+ years old and from a low-income household. One or more of the following must also be true:

• You have no or poor access to the internet at home.
• You have no or poor access to the internet away from home.
• You can't afford your existing monthly contract or top-up.

If you meet the criteria, contact Chippenham, Devizes, Salisbury, Trowbridge or Warminster libraries to find out more and to book an appointment.

Transport

• Travel by bus for just £2 or less - from 1 January - 31 March 2023, you can travel on most bus routes in the county for just £2 or less for a single fare.

From 1 October 2022, a new 'Energy Price Guarantee' was introduced. which means a typical UK household will now pay up to an average £2,500 a year on their energy bill. On 17 October 2022 the Government confirmed this universal support would last until April 2023 instead of the previously announced two years. This is automatic and applies to all households. A Treasury-led review will take place to consider what support will be available after April 2023. 

• Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS AF) and Alternative Fuels Payment (AFP) - information about the Government's Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS AF) and Alternative Fuels Payment (AFP), providing energy bills support to those who haven't received automatic financial assistance from any energy support schemes

• Energy advice from Government - Help for Households - information on the Government's Help for Households campaign
• Energy bills support factsheet for households - information on the Government support for households with energy bills
• Energy support for businesses - information on Government support for businesses, charities and public-sector organisations
• Check if the energy price cap affects you information from Ofgem on the energy price cap
• Getting help if you can't afford your energy bills - Advice from Ofgem if you're struggling to pay your energy bills
• Warm and Safe Wiltshire advice service - A service provided by Wiltshire Council, Swindon Borough Council, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service in partnership with the Centre for Sustainable Energy to help residents live in safer and healthier homes.
• GOV.UK: Find ways to save energy in your home - Government website - If you own a property you can get recommendations for home improvements that could make your property cheaper to heat and keep warm.
• Climate change - what can you do as an individual? - Advice and guidance from Wiltshire Council  on what you can do to use less energy in your home.
• Royal British Legion cost-of-living grants - Household finances are in a difficult position for some members of the Armed Forces community. Royal British Legion has launched the Everyday Needs Grants Programme.  Eligible applicants will receive a grant of up to £2,400 over 12 months, in a package designed to aid those who need help quickly to meet increasing costs of living.  
• Which? cost-of-living-advice - Specific cost-of-living advice from the consumer champion.
• Warm and Safe Wiltshire advice service - Offers free energy advice and support including: (1) Funding for heating system repairs - or replacement if you meet the eligible criteria. (2) Funding for heating controls and reflective radiator panels (3) Top ups for prepayment meters and food vouchers.
• Scope disability energy support - Free energy and water advice to disabled people, helping  manage energy and water needs

Wiltshire Council housing tenants

• Trouble paying your rent - advice and support for those who might be struggling with rent.
• Council tenant and leaseholders factsheets - useful information on a range of council tenant/leaseholder topics.
• Resident involvement - find out how you can get involved in resident engagement.

Those in private accommodation

• Problems in private rented accommodation - information and support if you're having problems in private rented accommodation, including rent arrears.
• How do I get a mortgage? - information on the options available.

Homelessness

Homelessness - contains information and support for those worried about homelessness.

Other support

Centre for Sustainable Energy (cse.org.uk) - an independent charity that shares knowledge and experience to help people change the way they think and act on energy. The website has a wide range of topics covering fuel poverty, community energy, energy advice, insulation and heating, education resources, renewables, behaviour change and building performance.

Anyone can be affected by mental health regardless of age, profession, employment status and other personal circumstances.

• Mental health and wellbeing - a range of support is available to help you
• NHS: Mental Health - information and support for your mental health
• Samaritans -  Offering emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, day or night, 365 days a year
• Housing mental health support - Support with settled housing to provide a stable base for physical and mental wellbeing.
• Wiltshire Together - A digital platform that connects people, groups and organisations in Wiltshire to their community. You can search for local events, volunteering opportunities, and nearby support (including mental health support).
• On your mind - Information for young people and for parents/carers including links to resources and organisations that can support with emotional wellbeing.
• Hub of Hope (external) - The Hub of Hope is the UK's leading mental health support database. It is provided by national mental health charity, Chasing the Stigma, and brings local, national, peer, community, charity, private and NHS mental health support and services together in one place for the first time.)
• Mental Health & Money Advice - Advice and support for people experiencing issues with mental health and money. 
• Alabare mental health support (external) - Support available for people who are struggling with their mental health and wellbeing. 
• Shout Wiltshire - Free 24/7 mental health text support in Wiltshire.

Wiltshire Wellbeing Hub  - Anyone can access the hub and it can provide confidential advice, information, and signposting from the council's friendly team in relation to the current high cost of living.
 

Age UK Wiltshire

A local charity working in the community to support older people, their families, and carers 
Website: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/wiltshire/
Phone 0808 196 2424

Citizen's Advice Wiltshire

They provide a range of advice over the phone, by email and on web chat
Website: https://www.citizensadvicewiltshire.org.uk/
Phone 0800 144 88 48

Community First

A charity that supports people and places across Wiltshire
Website: https://www.communityfirst.org.uk/
Call 01380 722 475
Email enquiries@communityfirst.org.uk

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

They have launched a save safely campaign that can help people make positive changes that help finances but don't put families and homes in danger. 
Website: https://www.dwfire.org.uk/safety/save-safely/

Food banks

Food banks are available throughout Wiltshire. Find your nearest one at The Trussell Trust: Find a food bank or on Money advice under the 'Practical help' heading.

Free sims and mobile data from Wiltshire libraries

Wiltshire Libraries are working with the Good Things Foundation to distribute free SIMs and mobile data to people in need. The National Databank scheme is supported by UK mobile networks including Vodafone, O2 and Three.

The free SIMs and mobile data are available from Chippenham, Devizes, Salisbury, Trowbridge and Warminster libraries.

To be able to access the National Databank you must be 18+ years old and from a low-income household. One or more of the following must also be true:

• You have no or poor access to the internet at home.
• You have no or poor access to the internet away from home.
• You can't afford your existing monthly contract or top-up.

If you meet the criteria, contact Chippenham, Devizes, Salisbury, Trowbridge or Warminster libraries to find out more and to book an appointment.

Interactive community directory - find out where the county's warm spaces and community food providers are

We have created an online interactive community directory to help you find out what warm spaces and community food providers there are in the county to support you through the cost-of-living challenges.

The directory has been created using information collected by us in order to establish what support is available in Wiltshire. 

To find out the support that's available on your doorstep, and across the county, please visit the directory and select your postcode area - this will then automatically generate a list of what's available, as well as a host of other useful features.

Website: Interactive Community Directory - find out where local warm spaces and community food providers are in the county

Royal British Legion

The Royal British Legion helps members of the British Army Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families. The Legion can advise on managing money, benefits, housing, finding a job and more.
Website: https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/
Phone 0808 802 8080 - lines are open from 8am to 8pm daily.

Soldiers, Sailors, Air force and Families Association (SSAFA)

SSAFA supports people who have served in the Armed Forces (British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Royal Marines, including Reserves), or are the immediate family of someone who served. It can help with a range of problems including dealing with debts, claiming benefits, housing and mobility aids.
Website: https://www.ssafa.org.uk/
Phone 0800 220 6767

Warm and Safe Wiltshire

A service provided by Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council in partnership with the Centre for Sustainable Energy to help residents live in safer and healthier homes.
Website - https://www.warmandsafewiltshire.org.uk/
Phone 0800 038 5722
Email warmandsafe@cse.org.uk

Wiltshire and Swindon Credit Union (WAWCU)

WASCU helps people to get on top of their finances by encouraging them to save when they can and making low-cost loans. They also offer money advice courses
Website: https://www.wascu.co.uk/
Phone 01722 421 881

Wiltshire Council warm spaces

Our libraries are ready to provide a warm and friendly welcome to support anyone who needs help through the cost-of-living crisis.

Website: Wiltshire Council warm spaces

Wiltshire Local Offer

Information on the services available for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) aged between 0 to 25, and how to access them, including information about relevant grants.
Website: https://localoffer.wiltshire.gov.uk/

Wiltshire Together 

A digital platform that connects people, groups and organisations in Wiltshire to their community. You can search for local events, volunteering opportunities, and nearby support
Website: https://wiltshiretogether.org.uk/

Wiltshire Wellbeing Hub

Anyone can access the hub and it can provide confidential advice, information, and signposting from the council's friendly team in relation to the current high cost of living.
Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm and Friday from 9am to 4pm
Email wellbeinghub@wiltshire.gov.uk
Phone 0300 003 4576

General advice and support

• If you are worried about how the cost of living pressures will affect your business, help and support is available at the Swindon & Wiltshire Growth Hub. The hub offers support and advice that is tailored to your specific business needs. You can also call 01249 477287 (Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm) to speak to a business advisor.
• Our Business support directory gives you help and advice based on the size of your business, and how you wish to grow or change your business.
• The government's cost of living support - this advice page will be regularly updated with advice and support for businesses.
• To stay up-to-date with the latest business news, advice and support, including free training courses, please subscribe to our business newsletter (click the 'business and economy' checkbox to sign up).

Free online webinars

• The Enterprise Network (TEN), which we established in 2012 to support small business and entrepreneurs in Wiltshire, is running a series of webinars called Take TEN. The webinars through some of the practical steps that you can take to ensure the health of your business. If you miss a webinar, you can also watch a recording. To find out more, see: The Enterprise network - cost of doing business webinars.

Energy advice

• Find out more about the Energy Bill Relief Scheme - this scheme provides energy bill relief for non-domestic customers initially between 1 October 2022 and 31 March 2023.
• Find out about support for small businesses' energy bills from Citizens Advice

• Ofgem: Find business energy efficiency grants and schemes

Supporting employees

• Business in the Community  - cost-of-living action plan for businesses
• Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development - financial wellbeing resources and guidance that help employers alleviate poverty placed on their employees by the cost-of-living crisis

We have created an online interactive community directory to help you find out what warm spaces and community food providers there are in the county to support you through the cost-of-living challenges.

The directory has been created using information collected by us in order to establish what support is available in Wiltshire. 

To find out the support that's available on your doorstep, and across the county, please visit the directory and select your postcode area - this will then automatically generate a list of what's available, as well as a host of other useful features.

Interactive Community Directory

For anyone wishing to make donations to the community food providers, there are contact and website details included for each with more information to find out how best to do this. 

We have worked hard to ensure that the directory contains a comprehensive list of the support available, but we'll continue to keep it updated regularly. If you have set up warm spaces or community food provider services then you are welcome to complete our short surveys, if you haven't already done so, so that your details can be included.

Wiltshire warm spaces survey

Wiltshire community food providers survey

Our libraries providing you with warm and friendly welcome this winter

Wiltshire Council libraries have officially become warm spaces, providing a warm and friendly welcome to support anyone who needs help through the cost of living crisis.

Of course, Wiltshire libraries are open to the public throughout the year, but now anyone is welcome to drop-in to any library in the county during the usual opening hours to have a sit down, pick up some useful information, take part in activities and enjoy a friendly chat with staff should they need it.

What's available at our library warm spaces?

Working with Warm and Safe Wiltshire and The Rural Communities Energy Support Network, our friendly library staff will be able to assist residents seeking basic energy advice and make referrals to experienced energy advisors in all but our smallest libraries. All libraries will be able to signpost people to community partners and agencies that can support people through the rising cost of living.

All the other usual library facilities will be available too, including free access to books, newspapers, computer facilities, digital support, and tables for anyone who needs to do some quiet work. Libraries are also continuing to provide a Home library service for people who are housebound or who struggle to get to the library. If anyone is interested in this service, they should contact their local library.

Warm and Safe Wiltshire advice service

Libraries
 

Who can visit our library warm spaces?

There is no criteria for anyone who might need to use the library as a warm space, and staff will be friendly and welcoming so that people feel as comfortable as possible.
 

Other warm spaces in the county

Please visit our interactive Community Directory to find out where other warm spaces are located in the county. If you would like to amend or delete a warm spaces listing, please contact businessinsight@wiltshire.gov.uk.

Interactive Community Directory

Other support available 

We also have a range of support and advice on our dedicated cost of living webpages. They contain information on council tax and benefits, energy advice, housing information, mental health support, local practical help, and support available for businesses. Our recently launched interactive community directory can also be found there, which contains details of other warm spaces in the county as well as community food providers.   

Supporting you through the rising cost of living

Free sims and mobile data from Wiltshire libraries

Wiltshire Libraries are working with the Good Things Foundation to distribute free SIMs and mobile data to people in need. The National Databank scheme is supported by UK mobile networks including Vodafone, O2 and Three.

The free SIMs and mobile data are available from Chippenham, Devizes, Salisbury, Trowbridge and Warminster libraries.

To be able to access the National Databank you must be 18+ years old and from a low-income household. One or more of the following must also be true:

• You have no or poor access to the internet at home.
• You have no or poor access to the internet away from home.
• You can't afford your existing monthly contract or top-up.

If you meet the criteria, contact Chippenham, Devizes, Salisbury, Trowbridge or Warminster libraries to find out more and to book an appointment.

Want to volunteer and support our library service? 

We are always looking for volunteers to support library services, so if you have time to spare and want to join a friendly team this winter please email libraryenquiries@wiltshire.gov.uk or visit Libraries.