Many households have told us they were already struggling to stay on top of household bills; with food shop not stretching as far anymore and now energy bills are going up too.
First of all, you are not alone in this and there’s support to help you.
It’s always worth checking if there are benefits you don’t know about that you’re eligible for, including support with your energy costs and living costs. On the Citizens Advice website there’s a benefits calculator, advice on how to reduce living costs and information on other ways to increase your income.
Thetford is fortunate to have community fridges at both Charles Burrell centre and Abbey Community centre, as well as the Burrell shop. There’s also emergency support that you may have access to, such as food bank vouchers or fuel vouchers. You could contact your local council to see if they could also offer support.
If you’re struggling to stay on top of bills, it’s really important to understand what money you have coming in and going out each month. Citizens Advice has a budgeting tool on its website that can help with this.
And if you’re already behind on bills, prioritise paying your rent or mortgage, plus energy bills and Council Tax first. Not paying these bills has the most serious consequences. You should speak to the person or company you owe money to, to see if they can help you repay your bills sustainably.
We know that times are incredibly tough but please remember, you don’t have to face this alone, do contact us for help finding a way forward.
Citizens Advice Thetford offer free, impartial and confidential advice.
Email advice via our website www.cadat.org.uk
Advice line: 0800 144 8848
Follow us on social media @DissThetfordCA
