Cost of living support
Find out about advice and support available to help with the increased cost of living.
Many of our residents have been negatively impacted by the rising cost of living. We're here to help by providing as much support and advice as we can.
There are practical steps residents can take to support themselves and their families.
This page will be updated regularly so keep checking back for further updates.
Our Money Advice and Rights team (MART) can offer can offer free, expert and confidential advice to help you:
- Find out what benefits you're entitled to
- Make a claim
- Maximise your income
- Deal with all types of debts
- Speak to your creditors on your behalf
For more information call 0141 577 8420 or email mart@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk
The Community Hub have compiled a cost of living supports directory which provides links to a range of help for people and families across East Renfrewshire.
Let's Talk About...
We know many people are worried about their mortgage payments, with interest rates getting higher, you might feel anxious about making all your monthly payments.
Where can I get help?
Money Advice & Rights team
Email: mart@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk
Telephone: 0141 577 8420
East Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau
Housing Adviser: 0141 881 2032
Money Advisor: 07901 607390
What help is available?
- Look at ways to maximise your income to ensure you're receiving everything you're entitled to
- Review your income and expenditure to help determine if your mortgage repayments are affordable and realistic for you and help you budget for this
- If you're in arrears, we can help you negotiate a repayment arrangement with your lender
- Advice on options available to help you address your mortgage arrears along with any other debt you may have
- Assistance if your lender is threatening to take action against you (or has already started action)
- Advice on government support schemes available and help to apply for these
Further support:
Regardless of how much money you owe, if you're worried about debt, help is available. The earlier you get advice, the more options may be available to you, but it's important to know you're never too late to get help. Millions of households across the UK struggle with debt, you're not on your own.
Where I can get help?
Money Advice & Rights team
Email: mart@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk
Telephone: 0141 577 8420
East Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau
Money Advisor: 07917 853335, 07901 607309 or 0141 881 2032
What help is available?
- Identify and prioritise your debts
- Carry out a full benefit check to ensure you're getting everything you're entitled to
- Offer impartial advice even when legal action has already been taken against you
- Advise on what options are available to you based on your circumstances and help set up a debt option
- Help to assess if you are liable for the debt in your name
- Negotiate with and contact creditors on your behalf
- Help you to get breathing space from your creditors
Further support:
With the rise in energy costs over the last few years we know many households are worried about being able to afford to heat their home. You're not alone and help is available.
Where I can get help?
Money Advice & Rights team
Email: mart@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk
Telephone: 0141 577 8420
East Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau
Telephone: 0141 881 2032
Home Energy Scotland
Telephone: 0808 808 2282
Website: www.homeenergyscotland.org
We can help with
- Bill arrears
- High bills/usage
- Disconnection from supply (if you are at risk of imminent disconnection or have already been disconnected)
- Setting up or renegotiating payments with your supplier(s)
- Access to emergency credit for prepayment meters
- Signing up to the Priority Services Register
- Referring to and applying for national support such as Home Energy Scotland, Fuel Bank Foundation and Home Heating Support.
Top tips for reducing energy
- Turn your thermostat down by one degree celsius - this could help to reduce your heating bills by up to 10%
- Move furniture away from radiators where possible - this allows air to circulate and your room should be become warmer quicker
- Wash clothes at a lower temperature- reducing your washing temperature by a little as 10C can help to reduce costs
- Close curtains at night - this helps to retain temperature in the room
- Switch off lights when no one is in the room - by remembering to do this you can help reduce your costs over the year
- Regularly defrost your fridge/freezer. Fridge/freezers can often use the highest amount of electricity in your kitchen. Regular defrosting keeps ice under control and allows it to run more efficiently
- Try to only wash a full load - whether it's the dishwater or washing machine this will help to save your electricity costs.
More help and advice
Grants and financial assistance
