Government’s Cost of Living Support Information
Hackney Council’s Cost of Living guide for Hackney residents
Gas and Electricity
If you are struggling with the cost increase, get in touch with your energy supplier to find out whether they can help you reduce your bill or if they can provide support with things like paying via monthly direct debit or signing up for an online tariff. There are also other things you can do.
You can ask your supplier for:
- A reduction in your payments or a payment break
- More time to pay your bill
- A review of your payments and debt repayments
- Access to hardship funds
Energy bills support scheme
The government will be giving every household in Great Britain £400 off their electricity bill. This is called the Energy Bills Support Scheme. You don’t need to do anything to get the money and you won’t have to pay it back.
Read more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/energy-bills-support-scheme-explainer
Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
If you are in receipt of certain benefits or on a low income, CAB can provide emergency top up vouchers to use if you have prepayment meters.
Support with Food
The Hackney Foodbank
We work in partnership with the Hackney Foodbank who aim to achieve no less than a hunger-free Hackney, where everyone can afford to eat. They support people who are in crisis or trapped in poverty with compassion and dignity. They do this by providing emergency food parcels, which offer practical, immediate relief in moments of crisis, and by connecting people with local organisations who can help them to address the root causes and wider effects of poverty in their lives.
They are part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.
Please click here to visit their website for more information on how to access support.