Cost of living support
Help and advice when you're struggling financially
We understand that rising living costs are placing pressure on many households. Whether you're worried about paying your bills, struggling with debt, facing housing difficulties or unsure what help you may be entitled to, our Financial Inclusion Team is here to help.
Wyre Forest District Council and our partners can provide free, confidential advice and support, including:
- Managing debt and budgeting
- Rent arrears and housing issues
- Council Tax debt
- Benefits and financial support
- Energy costs and fuel poverty
- Accessing grants and hardship funds
You may also want to use our Better Off Calculator to check whether you could get extra financial support. It's a simple way to make sure you're not missing out on money you're entitled to before speaking with our team.
When you contact us, we will look at your circumstances and identify all the support available to you. Any financial assistance provided by the council is awarded on a discretionary basis and considered individually.
If you're experiencing financial difficulties
Getting help early can make a significant difference. We recommend that you:
- Act quickly - don't ignore financial problems in the hope they will go away.
- Use trusted sources of advice - be cautious of unofficial websites and social media information.
- Prioritise essential household bills such as:
- Rent or mortgage
- Council Tax
- Gas and electricity
- Contact creditors as soon as possible if you are struggling to make payments. Many organisations can agree temporary payment arrangements.
- Pay what you can - even small payments can help prevent further action being taken.
- Speak to your energy supplier if you are finding it difficult to pay your gas or electricity bills.
Help available from us
Crisis and Resilience Fund
The fund is aimed at financial crisis support and strengthening long-term financial resilience.
Welfare Assistance Support scheme
Help for vulnerable people with immediate short term needs or help to keep independence or reintegrate with the community.
Council tax discounts and exemptions
You may be entitled to pay less Council Tax in certain circumstances. You can also request to spread your annual bill over 12 instalments instead of 10.
Crisis and Resilience Fund housing payments
For more help with housing costs check out our discretionary housing payments scheme.
Council Tax Reduction Scheme
If you are on a low income you may be entitled to some help towards your bill via the Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS).
Help with energy costs
Advice, support and grants to help combat rising energy bills and details of local community warm spaces.
Contact Our Financial Inclusion Team
If you need advice or would like to discuss your situation, please contact our Financial Inclusion Team.
Telephone: 01562 732928
Email: financialsupport@wyreforestdc.gov.uk. One of our Financial Inclusion Officers will contact you to see what help we can give you.
A Financial Inclusion Officer will contact you to discuss your circumstances and identify support available.
Home Responsibilities Protection – making sure State Pensions are correct
In December 2024, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) announced that tens of thousands of people who claimed Child Benefit between 1978 and 2000 could be receiving too little in State Pension payments due to Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) not being included on their National Insurance (NI) record.
The government is encouraging people who claimed Child Benefit between 1978 and 2000 to check if they’re eligible and make a claim on GOV.UK. It also encourages friends and family of anyone who may be eligible to support them in making a claim if necessary. HMRC has also produced a short video about HRP on LinkedIn to help people.