Cost of living support

With the cost of living on the rise, we’ve put together this one-stop source of information, so you can check what support is available to help you manage the cost of living.

Here, you’ll find information, support and guidance on:

• managing your money better
• finding employment
• staying warm this winter
• energy usage at home
• using food banks

We’ll update this page regularly, so check back to find the latest information on support available.

Help managing your money better

We may be able to help if you're having money problems or need support accessing benefits. 

Our free Pound Advice service offers those in London and the South East of England independent and confidential financial advice to help you with money issues, debt problems and benefits claims.

To be referred to Pound Advice, simply contact our customer service centre.

To contact Pound Advice directly, call 020 3475 2221 or email Pound Advice.

We Are Group manages Pound Advice on behalf of L&Q.

Read our Pound Advice stories.

If you live in Manchester or the North West of England

Learn more about our debt and budgeting support service in your region.

Support with your rent and service charges

It's important you speak to us if you’re struggling to pay your rent or service charge.

We have specialist teams ready to listen and help. This could include setting up payment plans or supporting you to claim any benefits you’re entitled to. 

Contact our customer service centre.

We've also signed up to the National Housing Federation’s pledge that no one will be evicted because of financial hardship – provided they get in touch with us to help them get their payments back on track.

We’ll only consider taking legal action in the most serious circumstances. For example, as a last resort following long-term arrears, where we can’t agree on a suitable arrangement, or in cases of criminal behaviour, which puts others at risk.

Use Entitledto's benefits calculator.

Ask Grace

Grace Ayemoba, a member of the L&Q Foundation team, regularly shares tips to help you spend more wisely.

Read Grace's latest tips:

• Tips on making your money go further
• Unclaimed welfare benefits
  
  

Save on your household bills

Pocket Power, funded by the L&Q Foundation, is a free phone service available to all L&Q residents. Their team can help you with a wide range of household costs, including:

• water bills
• internet and phone
• energy bills
• banking services
• car insurance

Residents who are referred will receive a 30-minute phone call with a Pocket Power adviser. During the call, they will:

• help you apply for discounts
• identify cheaper deals and support you with switching
• offer fuel vouchers, if you are eligible

To be referred to Pocket Power, simply contact our customer service centre. 

Help finding employment

We’re here to help if you or anyone in your household is looking for work or keeping an eye on future options.

We work with all L&Q residents and their families, as well as people living in our wider communities.

We can connect you with opportunities, give you one-to-one support with your CV and help you prepare for interviews.

We also provide job brokerage services to local and national employers, as well as working in partnership with colleges and training providers.

Learn more about our employment support service.

How to stay warm this winter

We understand you may be worried about staying warm this winter – that's why we've shared some useful tips on how to keep your home safe and warm during the colder months.

Check your thermostat

A thermostat should sense the temperature in your room and allow you to choose a room temperature which suits you.

A faulty thermostat can cause your room to be too hot or cold. This is because it will not send a signal to the valve that allows the radiators/heaters to heat up or cannot sense the temperature in the room correctly.

To make sure your thermostat is working correctly, turn your heating on and check that it turns off at your selected temperature (a comfortable temperature is usually around 18-21°C).
If the digital screen on your thermostat is blank, it might be powered by batteries. Check the batteries and replace them if necessary.

Test your appliances

Test all your gas and electric appliances to ensure they're working efficiently. Do not wait until winter when you need them the most.

To check your appliances just turn them on for a short time. You do not need to use them for long – just turn them on for long enough for your radiators/heaters to warm up to your chosen temperature.

Check your appliances for warning signs that they are not working properly:

• floppy yellow or orange flame on your gas hob, rather than a crisp blue flame
• dark, sooty staining on or around your gas appliances
• increased condensation inside windows
• the boiler pilot light keeps going out
  
  

Have your appliances serviced

Ensure your appliances are serviced annually.

If you have not had your boiler serviced in the last 10 months, you should contact us to book an appointment as soon as possible.

Make sure all work on your gas appliances is carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. We only use Gas Safe registered engineers to fix, repair, service and install your gas appliance, so make sure you check their ID to confirm they’re qualified.

Additional tips and safety advice

Keep vents and chimneys clear.

Use draught excluders on windows and doors to prevent heat from escaping. Close curtains at dusk for extra insulation.

Never use portable gas or paraffin heaters indoors due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Make sure you have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted and know the six signs of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning:

• headaches
• dizziness
• breathlessness
• nausea
• collapsing
• loss of consciousness

Warm hubs

We’ve opened the first string of warm hubs in our community centres this winter.

You're welcome to visit and spend time in these spaces, take part in the activities and events on offer and use the free wifi.

Lots of other community centres and local libraries are being used as warm hubs as well this winter. You can get more information about the hubs near you from Warm Welcome Space. 

Energy usage at home

We're here to help if you’re struggling to heat your home or are worried about paying your household bills. 

Below are some simple tips to save energy:

• seal gaps around windows and doors to prevent drafts
• use energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances
• turn off lights and appliances when not in use
• wash clothes with a full load and at lower temperatures
• set your water heater to 60°C or lower
• set your heating between 18°C and 21°C during the winter
  
  

Energy supplier support

Many energy companies offer additional support, including affordable payment plans, energy efficiency advice, access to grants for home insulation and specialised tariffs designed to lower energy bills.

Here's a list of energy suppliers who offer grants to their customers:

• Scottish Power
• Ovo Energy
• E.ON Energy
• E.ON Next Energy
• EDF Energy
• Bulb Energy
• Octopus Energy

If you can't get a grant from your supplier, you may be able to get one from the British Gas Energy Trust. These grants are available to anyone – you don’t have to be a British Gas customer to be eligible.

You can learn more about the benefits, grants and help energy suppliers and the government offer from Citizens Advice.

We Are Group also provides a free energy advice service in partnership with UK Power Networks. This service offers practical guidance to help you reduce your bills and use your energy more efficiently. To contact them directly, call 0113 518 4070.

You can also get in touch with us to discuss your circumstances.

Fuel vouchers 

If you’re struggling with the cost of gas or electricity, we mat be able to help. We have a limited number of fuel vouchers available for residents who need short-term support with their energy bills.

These vouchers can be used with most major utility providers and work whether you top up a pre-payment meter or pay online or by direct debit.

Fuel vouchers are part of our crisis support, and eligibility is assessed through a referral to our customer service centre. Please note: A referral does not guarantee a voucher, as availability is limited.

If you are eligible, your voucher will be sent to you by email or text message, so you will need access to a smartphone.

If you’re finding it hard to afford your utilities, we’re here to help.

Contact us