Household costs
If you need emergency money or food, you may be eligible for a budgeting loan or grants and charitable funds.
Council Tax
You could be eligible for a Council Tax Reduction if you’re on a low income or claim benefits. You can apply if you own your home, rent, are unemployed or working.
Funding towards household costs
If you are facing hardship, you can get help with your essential household costs. You can also get advice and support from Citizens Advice and other voluntary and community organisations.
Food
Foodbanks give free food to people who are struggling financially. The Salvation Army also offers emergency assistance to people in need.
- Visit the Trussell Trust to find a foodbank near you
- Find out about emergency assistance from The Salvation Army
Community Supermarkets have been set up in Laindon, Vange, Melbourne, Ford End and Jaywick Sands.
At the Jaywick and Basildon shops, shoppers pay a £3.50 membership fee upon arrival. They can then can save approximately 30% on food and household essentials (compared to Lidl and Aldi prices). Proof of a Basildon address is needed to become a member of the Laindon and Vange Community Supermarkets. Proof of a Jaywick Sands postcode is needed to become a member of the Brooklands Community Shop.
At the Melbourne and Ford End shops, shoppers must pay a £5 membership fee which lasts for a year. There is then a £5 flat rate per visit where they will be able to choose items which total around £20-£30.
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Brooklands Community Shop, 12 Brooklands Gardens, Jaywick, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 2JP: open Monday 11am-2pm, Wednesday 11am-2pm, Thursday 11am-2pm, Friday 11am-2pm
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Laindon Community Supermarket, Laindon Community Centre, Aston Road, Laindon, Basildon, SS15 6NX: open Friday 1pm – 3pm
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Vange Community Supermarket, Trinity Methodist Church, 481 Clay Hill Rd, Basildon SS16 4NN: open Tuesday 10am – 12noon
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Ford End Community Pop Up, Ford End Village Hall, Main Road, Ford End, Chelmsford CM3 1LQ: open Tuesday 9am-11am
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Melbourne Community Pop Up, St Andrews Church Hall, Chignal Rd, Chelmsford CM1 2JB: open Tuesday 2pm-4pm
Broadband
If you’re a low-income family receiving Universal Credit or other benefits, you could be eligible for a discounted broadband service.
Public transport
Essex Highways have put together a list of money saving tips for travelling around Essex on public transport. This includes park and ride discounts, concessionary bus passes and saver bus tickets.
Helpful reading
Essex Libraries have put together a list of reading recommendations for people who are worried about rising costs.