Helping you with the cost of living

If you need emergency money or food, you may be eligible for a budgeting loan or grants and charitable funds.

• Find out what emergency support is available

Council Tax

The government has introduced a £150 Council Tax rebate. If you live in an eligible property and you pay your council tax by direct debit, your local council will generally make the payment directly to your bank account. Payments started in April 2022. If you live in an eligible property and you do not pay your council tax by direct debit, contact your local council.

• Find your local council

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.

• Apply for a Council Tax Reduction

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.

• Find out how to access support through the Department for Work and Pensions’ Household Support Fund

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 Basildon and Jaywick Sands. Shoppers pay a £3.50 membership fee upon arrival and 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 Community Supermarket. Proof of a Jaywick Sands postcode is needed to become a member of the Brooklands Community Shop.

• Brooklands Community Shop, 12 Brooklands Gardens, Jaywick, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 2JP: open Monday 10am-2pm, Tuesday 10am-2pm and Friday 12pm-4pm

• Laindon Community Supermarket, Laindon Community Centre, Aston Road, Laindon, Basildon, SS15 6NX: open Friday 10am-12pm

Broadband

If you’re a low-income family receiving Universal Credit or other benefits, you could be eligible for a discounted broadband service.

• Find out about discounted broadband

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.

• Find out more about saving money on public transport

Helpful reading

Essex Libraries have put together a list of reading recommendations for people who are worried about rising costs.

• View the cost of living booklist here