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 independent and confidential financial advice to help you with money issues, debt problems and benefits claims.
For help and advice:
- call 020 3475 2221
- email Pound Advice
We Are Digital manages Pound Advice on behalf of L&Q.
Read our Pound Advice stories.
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:
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.
If you're interested in using our employment service
You can email our Employment Support team.
Turlogh O’Brien scholarships
We offer young people living in financially excluded households an accessible route into higher education.
Since launching the Turlogh O’Brien programme in 2017, we’ve supported more than 20 students to study for a degree at a university of their choice.
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:
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.
You can also get in touch with us to discuss your circumstances.
Food banks
Anyone who is struggling to afford food may be able to get help from a food bank or local service.
Please note that each food bank will have a different service offer and how you access them. However, you'll usually need a food bank voucher from a professional or organisation working with the food bank.
The people who can refer you include GPs, nurses, health or social care workers and local charities. Please check with the food bank in your area who can refer people to them.
When you arrive, you'll be asked for your food bank voucher to make sure you get a food parcel that meets your needs.
Food bank volunteers will then use your voucher to prepare your food parcel. They will check the number of adults and children the food parcel needs to support, the ages of the children, and any special dietary requirements you may have.
Whilst your food parcel is being prepared, a volunteer will chat with you about your situation and refer you to additional help and support if needed.
All food banks receive donations of non-perishable, in-date food from the public at various points, including schools, churches, businesses, and supermarket collection points. This means you can receive at least three days of nutritionally balanced food from your local food bank.
Some food banks may be able to help with emergency pet food. If you need pet food as well, talk to your local food bank staff and see if they can help.
You can also search for pet food banks in your area or speak to Citizens Advice or animal charity for additional sources of help.
Depending on your situation, some food banks may be able to refer you to other local organisations for further help.
If you live in London or the south east of England
We’re here to help if you’re struggling to afford food and need some food vouchers.
If you live in Manchester or the north west of England
You can get more information about food banks from Trussell Trust and search for local food banks in Trafford using their interactive map.
You can also call them on 0172 2580 180.
Alternatively, you can contact our customer service centre.
The Bread and Butter Thing (TBBT) also provide weekly groceries at a fraction of the high street prices through their membership scheme.
TBBT groceries will include fruit, veg and something for your fridge and cupboards.
Text 07860 063 304 with your full name, postcode, and the name of the hub you will be collecting from:
- Sale West: Sale West Community Centre, Monday 1:30pm
- Sale Moor: St Francis Church, Wednesday 1:30pm
- Altrincham: The Hub, Tuesday 2:30pm
- Broomwood: Community centre, Wednesday 1:30pm
- Flixton: Friday 1:30pm
- Partington: Tuesday 1:30pm
- Gorse Hill: Gorse Hill Methodist Church, Wednesday 1:30pm
- Old Trafford: St John’s Centre, Monday 2pm