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Cost of Living

There are a range of services offering help and advice if you are struggling to pay for food and other household bills

There are a number of routes to support around food support.

 

Benefits

If you've had a change in circumstances you might be able to claim benefits. 

Check which benefits you can claim at GOV.UK

Contact Welfare Rights Unit for impartial advice and support

 

Food Banks

There are a number of organisations which provide practical support 

Find out how to get food in an emergency

View food bank and parcel support on the Leeds Directory

 

Reduce your food costs

Find advice on ways to lower your food bill at Money Saving Expert

For help and advice to eat better and waste less visit the Love Food Hate Waste website

 

The Local Welfare Support Scheme (LWSS) is an emergency support scheme which can provide support if you are experiencing an emergency or crisis. 

The LWSS can provide support with

  • food and fuel costs
  • the purchase of essential appliances and furniture
  • the purchase of carpets
  • removal costs for people fleeing violence or the threat of violence

 

Eligibility

To be eligible to access this support you must meet certain criteria, including that you or your partner have not received a previous Local welfare Support awarded in the last 12 months. 

View LWSS eligibility criteria and find out how to apply

If you are struggling to pay your bills the support available to you will depend on your tenancy. 

For help with Rent, mortgages and repairs please visit our Housing information pages. 

For information and support about other types of bills please check below;

Leeds City Council want to make sure that all homes in Leeds are a decent standard and that everyone can afford to stay warm.

Find out about how to increase your homes energy efficiency 

 

Home Energy Help

Homeowners across Leeds can give their property an energy-efficiency MOT, find out which improvements might be suitable for them, and understand how to access the different financial support available to them. Homeowners can also find out whether they qualify for funded home improvments and connect with trusted installers as well as a lot of information to guide them through the process. 

Find out more about the Home Energy Help Scheme

If you are finding it difficult to pay your gas and electric bills or you are in arrears you can contact your energy supplier to arrange to pay them back at a more affordable rate.

The Citizens Advice website has information on how to switch supplier for a better energy deal.

Find out more about how to switch energy supplier

There are a number of services in which can help you assess and reduce your energy bills. 

 

Green Doctors

Groundworks Green Doctors helps residents stay warm, stay well and save money on household bills. They offer free and impartial advice to help you take control of your bills and help you explore money saving options. 

Find our how the Green Doctor can help you

 

Home Plus

Home Plus is an independent energy advice service. They can help with

  • switching to the cheapest energy deal
  • servicing and repairs to heating and hot water systems
  • energy saving equipment and advice
  • draught proofing and insulation

Find out how to save money on your bills with Home Plus

 

Communitas Energy CIC

Communitas Energy CIC, in Partnership with Northern Gas Networks, manage an assisted connection voucher scheme, which will either partly or completely cover the cost of a new gas connection.

Find out more about Communitas Energy CIC

Last updated: 29/01/2025
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