- See if you are entitled to best start foods
- Get help with childcare costs
- Get help with school aged children
With energy and food costs rising considerably faster than average incomes, most of us are having to find ways of coping with smaller household budgets.
See below for ideas and information that may help.
For families with children
Struggling to pay your mortgage?
If you’re having trouble paying your mortgage, your first step should always be to contact your lender. They want to help you to meet repayments and they will be able to discuss your options and offer solutions to help, which could include:
- Temporary payment arrangements
- Lengthening the term of your mortgage
- Switching temporarily to interest-only repayments
The Scottish Government also provides some support to homeowners struggling to pay their mortgage through the ‘Home Owners’ Support Fund’.
The fund operates two schemes homeowners can apply for:
- The Mortgage to Rent scheme - where a social landlord buys your home and rents it back to you
- The Mortgage to Shared Equity scheme - where the Scottish Government buys up to a 30% stake in your home, which reduces how much you owe on your mortgage. You continue to live in your home but make lower mortgage repayments as a result
Tackling debt
Don’t let worries about debt dominate your life. There are steps you can take to get better control of your finances. We can help you do this.
Transport
- Travel by bus when you can. Remember that if you are under 22 or over 60 you can travel by bus for free all over Scotland.
- If you own a car, try to share journeys so that you can split the cost.
- When buying fuel for your car, remember that fuel prices vary quite a bit from one petrol station to another. Know your local area and, if you are comfortable using phone apps, download one which identifies the cheapest outlets for you (there are a few to choose from).
- Do more short journeys by bike or on foot. If you don’t have a bike you could look into whether your work offers a cycle to work scheme which allows you to save at least 25% on the cost of a bike or e-bike.
Energy usage
Refer to our higher energy costs page for ideas on reducing costs and usage.
Leisure for less
Time away from work and household tasks can be a chance to unwind and enjoy life. This is less easy for the cash strapped amongst us. But there are things you can do that cost less or nothing at all.
- Make a flask and meet up with friends in the local park.
- If it’s wet or you’d rather be somewhere cosier, visit one of our libraries or community drop-in points. Arrange to meet a friend or just take a good book. Many of these facilities offer free tea and coffee over the winter so you won’t even need your flask.
- Visit one of our tourist attractions – many are free.
- Make use of our network of leisure centres. All residents aged 60 and over can become a member for £60 per year.
Check your entitlements and get the best from your household budget
Contact our team who can help you to make sure you are getting all the support available to you. Email TPteam@northlan.gov.uk or call 01698 332551.