Cost of living support

You may be eligible for financial support in the form of Universal Credit, help with rent payments, assistance with debt and advice if you are worried about money.

Universal Credit is a monthly payment to help with your living costs. You may be eligible if you’re on a low income, out of work or cannot work. If you are in receipt of Universal Credit, you will need to claim Council Tax reduction with us.

If you are on a low income and not in receipt of Universal Credit, or are of pensionable age, you may be able to make a claim for housing benefits.

If you a struggling to pay your rent and you are claiming either housing benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit and need more financial support with housing costs, you may qualify for a discretionary housing payment.

You may be able to reduce the amount of council tax you pay if you are entitled to a discount or exemption.

If you are unable to pay your council tax, please contact us immediately to seek help and advice. Even if you’re not entitled to any discounts, it might be possible for a special arrangement to be made. Remember – the sooner you discuss your problem, the more easily it can be resolved.

If your household is facing a crisis, and needs support, you can apply for Gloucestershire County Council’s Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF).

The fund provides support for residents experiencing sudden financial crises, such as difficulty affording food, fuel, essential household items, or emergency living costs.

National Debtline provides free, confidential and independent advice on dealing with debt problems. If you have debt problems, the Government’s Breathing Space scheme can provide legal protection from creditors for a temporary period.

North and West Gloucestershire Citizens Advice Bureau: Citizens Advice provide information, advice and assistance to those who need it. They can offer advice on debt, housing, benefit enquiries as well as other issues that might be present.

Contact: Freephone 0808 189 6280. Their lines are open Monday to Thursday 10am to 4pm. All enquiries start with a telephone conversation.

CCP offers community-based support to help people develop the skills to become self-reliant, resilient, and live independently in the long term such as housing support and support to maximise their income, improve budgeting and money management skills, and reduce debt.

Contact: 0300 365 2002 or referrals via their website.

Gloucestershire County Council Welfare Support Scheme is a fund that provides practical support to eligible adults and families for food, gas/electricity top ups and household items such as furniture including white goods/appliances and furniture.

Greenway Gifts groceries runs every Monday morning from 9-10am at St Paul’s Church Hall in Shurdington. It is a non-referral food bank, meaning anyone who is struggling and would like a bag of groceries can come and collect. They also have a small selection of toiletries and nappies. Contact: 01242 321806 or find more information here.

The Brockworth Food Larder is a food bank based in Brockworth Community Centre for those living in the areas of Brockworth, Hucclecote, Barnwood, and Coopers Edge that are going through difficult times. Find out more on their Facebook page.

Hungry No More operates from the GL3 Hub in Churchdown. It is open every Thursday morning to distribute food parcels and aims to supply 3 to 4 days’ worth of food, depending on donations. In emergencies, parcels are available any day.

Tewkesbury Food Bank

Priors Park Community Church: The Hub @ The chapel is a community hub to help local residents cope with the cost of living. They are able to provide emergency food, help and guide with gas and electricity costs, care for elderly and isolating residents and assist with general problems for those struggling through difficult times. Contact: 07307 079129.

North Cotswolds Food Bank: Contact them on 07879 375562 or by email at info@northcotswold.foodbank.org.uk to get advice on gaining a voucher for the provision of 3 days’ emergency food.

Their two collection centres are:

• St Michael’s Church Centre, Bishop’s Cleeve GL52 8BA, open Friday mornings, 9.30–11.15am
• Encounter Church, 9, Gretton Rd, Winchcombe GL54 5EE, open Tuesday afternoons 1.30–3pm

Northway Pantry: dedicated to providing assistance with weekly groceries to residents of Northway who are facing financial difficulties.

The pantry is a membership scheme, offering donated and in-date food to members, who pay a weekly fee of £4 in return for approximately £25 worth of non-perishable and fresh food, plus other household items. Members will also benefit from additional services, such as benefits guidance, debt advice, and mental health support.

The pantry is located at Northway Community Hub, Lee Walk, Tewkesbury GL20 8QG. Contact:  07925 174 413, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.