Cost of Living Crisis
We have been failed at every corner by this Conservative Government. Whilst they handed out billions in contracts to their mates during the pandemic, they are now, in their time of need, leaving the poorest in society with little to no support.
Food and energy costs are skyrocketing, rents across the borough spiral and all whilst wages stagnate. I have been contacted by many households struggling, with some now facing the choice between heating and eating.
I have set up this page to list different support available both locally and nationally to help those in need of support and advice, whether it be debt advice or housing support. Please also sign up below to be kept up to date with developments and campaigns.
Useful Links
TIPS FROM BRENT COUNCIL TO REDUCE YOUR ENERGY BILLS
MONEY AND DEBT ADVICE FROM BRENT COUNCIL
20 TOP TIPS FOR SAVING MONEY FROM BRENT COMMUNITY LOTTERY
MONEY SAVING EXPERT – 90 WAYS TO SURVIVE THE COST OF LIVING CRISIS
MONEY SAVING EXPERT – COST OF LIVING SURVIVAL KIT
Useful Contacts
Citizens Advice Brent
Debt Free London – 0800 808 5873
24hr helpline
Call the number to be referred to Citizens Advice Brent debt advisors.
- Complete an income and expenditure form to understand and plan finances
- Look for ways to increase income and reduce outgoings
- Explain debt options the impact they will have.
- Help to put in place a suitable debt solution including negotiating with creditors an affordable repayment plan, write off, etc.
- As a last resort, help to apply for an insolvency option (e.g., Debt Relief Order, bankruptcy) to become debt free and gain a fresh start.
Advice for Renters
Brent Food Banks
Trussel Trust
https://brent.foodbank.org.uk/get-help/
Sufra Food Bank and Kitchen
Free national debt advice services
*benefits checker
PAYPLAN
Phone advice, webchat, online service.
NATIONAL DEBT LINE
https://www.nationaldebtline.org/
Anonymous private web chat about money problems and debts.
TURN2US *
Good for doing benefit check anonymously.
MoneyHelper
MaPS (money & pensions service)
https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en
https://moneyandpensionsservice.org.uk
Free independent money advice
BRENT ADVICE MATTERS
https://www.bam.org.uk/money/debts/
Click through options guiding client to specific routes for types of debt.
https://www.bam.org.uk/enquiry/money-advisor/
Or Fill in this online form to be referred to local CAB debt advisor.
BRENT COUNCIL RESIDENT SUPPORT FUND
You can apply for support in increasing costs by applying for the Resident Support Fund. Please follow the Brent Council link below to make and application:
https://www.brent.gov.uk/benefits-and-money-advice/resident-support-fund#overview
LONDON MAYOR WARM HOMES SCHEME
Check your availability for support those impacted by focussing on immediate actions of making homes greener and warmer, reducing energy use and, therefore, lowering bills and cutting carbon. These actions will particularly help the most vulnerable Londoners who are disproportionately affected by the rising cost of living. Apply using the link below:
https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/housing-and-land/improving-quality/warmer-homes