We understand that many residents may be struggling to cope with the rising cost of living, particularly with food and energy costs.
This page provides information about various forms of help that may be available.
Cost of Living Hub
Visit UK Government's to find out what support is available to help with the cost of living. This includes income and disability benefits, bills and allowances, childcare, housing and travel.
Provision during school holidays
The Council is committed to supporting families in hardship and can provide school holiday meals alongside activities through the .
Help with energy bills
The
You can find advice about how to cut down on your energy and water use to save money here and on the .
The Better ÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵ Better Health team is offering support to local residents to keep warm and well at home, improve the energy efficiency of their homes and save money on their energy bills.
Help paying your rent
If you are of working age and on a low income you may be able to receive help with the cost of rent through . If you already receive Universal Credit, help with rent should already be included in your Universal Credit payment.
People who are pension-age and on a low income may be entitled to ÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵ Benefit.
If you are already receiving Universal Credit or ÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵ Benefits and this does cover the full cost of your rent, you can apply to the Council for a Discretionary ÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵ Payment.
Help with food
If you are on a low income and have an unexpected crisis or an emergency that means you cannot afford food, the Council may be able to help by referring you to Bedford Foodbank. Please contact 01234 718033 for more information.
If you are on a low income and have an unexpected crisis or an emergency that means you cannot afford food, the Council may be able to help by referring you to Bedford Foodbank or the Ethnic Foodbank. Please contact 01234 718033 for more information. You can also contact .
Difficulty paying ÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵ or other Council bills or invoices
Please contact us if you cannot pay any money owed to the Council - we may be able to help.
Residents with the lowest income do not pay any ÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵ due to our ÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵ Reduction Scheme. Unlike many Councils, Bedford Borough still offers a discount of up to 100% to households with the lowest income. This is worth over £400 of extra help a year to a household in a typical band B or band C property.
- If your circumstances have changed and you think you may now qualify for ÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵ Support, please tell us by going to our ÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵ Support page to claim online.
- If you are having immediate difficulty paying your ÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵ bill, please get in touch with our trained advisors who will be able to help. Telephone us on 01234 718097.
Universal Credit and other welfare benefits
If you are on a low income you may be entitled to Universal Credit, this includes people who are working or self-employed. You can .
See more information from the Government about .
Pension credit
Pension Credit gives extra money to help with living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. You might get extra help if you’re a carer, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person. Pension Credit is separate from your State Pension, and you can get Pension Credit even if you have other income, savings or own your own home.
Free advice about money management, dealing with debts, claiming benefits and more
Bedford Citizens Advice can offer free and confidential help with managing your money, dealing with debts and a wide range of other advice. Visit or phone 01234 867944.
If you are a bpha tenant, you can find further advice from its .
offers free debt advice and support. Visit the website or phone 0800 328 0006.
Crisis or emergency grant
If you are on a low income and have an unexpected crisis or an emergency the Council may be able to help with a crisis grant.
Household support grants
Bedford Borough Council is prioritising grants to vulnerable households that have the lowest level of income as assessed through the ÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵ Support application process, which provides a high level of detail regarding the household income.
For full details about the Household Support Fund, please visit the Household Support Fund page.
Help with a bank account, affordable loans and savings
is a not-for-profit financial co-operative owned and controlled by its members offering fair loans, savings and banking services for people in and around Bedford and Central Bedfordshire. It is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Savers’ deposits are fully protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
Email info@bedfordcreditunion.org.uk or 01234 346352 for more information.
Help for Anglian Water customers
Anglian Water is offering tailored to its eligible customers.