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The rising cost of living

Support and information

We’re here to support you

It’s no secret that the rising cost of living is affecting many people, some of whom will be experiencing this kind of financial strain for the first time. Increasing utility bills, interest rates and inflation means more budgeting, and in some cases, meeting those monthly payments may be getting more difficult. 

Here you’ll find organisations who provide independent advice and guidance on everything, from how to manage your money, to where you can go for support if you’re really struggling. 

If you do find yourself in financial difficulty for any reason, we’d encourage you to let us know. The sooner we know your situation, the quicker we can help. If you need support to meet your regular payments or if you’re experiencing any problems with your account, we can help.

Find your branch

Struggling to make payments to us

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Whether you’ve already missed a payment or are concerned that you may not be able to make future ones, speak to your account manager.  

They can offer you tailored support that considers your personal circumstances and needs. Where appropriate, this could include agreeing a period of fully or partially reduced payments. To help us understand your full financial situation and get the right support in place, we may ask you complete our income and expenditure form.

Helpful resources

Help for Households

This is a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) national cost of living support campaign. You’ll find a wealth of information on their website covering  income support, help with energy bills and childcare costs and cost of living support payments.

Help for Households - Get government cost of living support

Help with budgeting

MoneyHelper is an independent, government backed service which can help people find a way forward with their finances. You’ll find information on living on a squeezed income, working out a budget, how to prioritise bills and payments, or accessing free, expert debt advice.

They've also developed a Money Navigator tool Opens in a new window to help people whose finances are being impacted by ‘income shocks’.

Moneyhelper

Do you have multiple debts?

If you’re finding it difficult to make numerous payments and owe several creditors, you may find it beneficial to contact one of StepChange or PayPlan.   

They both offer free, confidential advice and support to anyone who’s worried about multiple debts – providing support appropriate to your individual circumstances. You’re able to contact both organisations in a way that you find comfortable.

StepChange
PayPlan

Where the cost of living is having an impact

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) website includes an inflation calculator that allows you to see how increases in the cost of living may have affected you in the past year by estimating a personal inflation rate based on your household spending patterns.  This could help you identify if, and where, you want to focus on specific areas of your personal budgeting.

How is inflation affecting your household costs?

If you’d like to support others

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Whether you’re directly affected by the rising cost of living or not, you may want to reach out to those that are. People across the UK are dealing with the impact of rising costs, leaving many in dire circumstances. We’ve pulled together a list of charities that you can donate to or become involved with, all doing great work through the cost-of-living crisis and beyond.

The Trussell Trust Opens in a new window – supporting UK food banks and campaigning to end the need for them

Independent Food Aid Network UK Opens in a new window – providing food aid across the UK

Shelter Opens in a new window  - leading UK homelessness charity

Centrepoint Opens in a new window – supporting young people experiencing homelessness 

Action For Children Opens in a new window – providing help to UK’s vulnerable children