This column could help you save money. Image: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire
Written by Tom Togher of Salford Citizens Advice
The cost of living crisis:
In recent weeks there has been much news of a looming increase in the cost of living, a “cost of living crisis”.
This week’s advice column looks at the key issues and what you might be able to do to at least partially mitigate the impact of these various cost increases.
It is an overview and you should contact us for more specific advice.
The fuel cost crisis, which I wrote about in more detail last week, is likely to see residential energy bills rise by about half to double over the next few months.
Key dates will be the February announcement of increased energy caps, which will be applied to bills in April and then again in October.
Some people will only have limited protection against these cost increases until they reach the end of an agreed solution with their supplier.
Last week we explained where you can get useful energy-saving advice and where you might be able to get limited help with your bills.
We call on the government to intervene immediately.
Increased food costs:
These are expected to increase by around 6% to 7% and are likely to have a greater impact on lower-income households.
Salford has twelve food clubs where members can reduce their weekly meal costs by joining.
You can buy £10 to £15 worth of groceries for £2.50 or £3 each week.
To become a member, you must have a low income. You can find out more by calling us.
If you have children aged four or under, or are more than 10 weeks pregnant and are on a low income, you may qualify for the Healthy Start Scheme which costs £4.25 per week of your pregnancy and £8 £4.25 per week for children aged 1 to 4 is £4.25 per week for children aged 1 to 4.
For more information visit the NHS Healthy Start website or give us a call.
Social Security and Income Tax Increases:
These are planned for April, when national insurance will be increased and tax credits will be frozen.
If you’ve been asked to work from home, you’re entitled to a modest tax credit for the full tax year, worth just over £60 for property taxpayers.
Check with your employer if this is already included in your wage and tax calculation, but if not you can apply directly.
council tax:
The way the government is organizing council tax means that most municipalities will be forced to increase council tax rates this year by more than the rate of inflation when setting next year’s council tax in the next few weeks.
Most municipalities will increase council tax by about 5%.
Check if you are in the correct council tax bracket, or if someone in your household can apply for a council tax exemption (because they have learning disabilities or suffer from something like dementia, which leads to reduced mental capacity), or if you are due to low income are entitled to municipal tax support.
Rental costs:
These are currently rising faster than wages, especially for tenants in the private sector.
You should check if you are eligible for assistance with housing costs. If you have special circumstances, you may also qualify for council discretionary assistance for your housing costs.
For more information call us on 0800 27 87 802.
Get the latest news, updates, activities and more from Salford, Greater Manchester’s dedicated InYourArea feed.