In this section

The cost of food, fuel, energy and utilities have continued to rise this year. To help you manage the rising cost of living, we've put together some useful hints and tips.

You can also read about other support services that are available in Newport which might help. More information and support is available via our NCH Connected Facebook group.

If you are struggling to pay your bills, then please contact your Customer Account Manager or the Housing Support team on tenancysupport@newportcityhomes.com or call 01633 381111.

Energy and utilities

The cost of gas and electric has significantly increased and is likely to increase again. 

Take a look at our energy saving top tips for your home:

  • Cooking in a microwave is cheaper than an oven as it uses less power and takes less time to cook - a slow cooker is also energy efficient, running on low power
  • When buying new appliances, look for ones with the highest energy efficiency rating (A+++)
  • Remember to unplug or switch off devices at the wall. Items plugged in on standby still use electricity.
  • Make sure you turn lights off when you leave a room. Leaving one standard 60W light bulb on all day up to (12 hours) could cost you around 20p per day (based on April 2023 price cap rates)
  • Switch to a low energy LED bulb. These can use up to 90% less electricity than a standard bulb while providing the same level of lighting.
  • Understanding your heating controls can help you use your system more efficiently - lowering the thermostat by just one degree can save you approx £80-85 per year
  • Washing at 30 degrees can save as much as 40% compared to washing at higher temperatures.
  • Try setting a timer to 3 minutes when taking a shower!
  • Put draft excluders around draughty doors and windows
  • Check to see if you are eligible for the discounted Welsh Water, ‘HelpU’, or ‘WaterSure’ tariffs, although a water meter is required so may not be the best option for families who use lots of water
  • For more ideas and support with your energy needs check out National Energy Action Charity, South East Wales Energy Agency and Warm Wales

You can also download the Warm Wales top tips leaflet (PDF).

Food and cooking

The cost of food has also increased. Take a look at our recipe links and cooking tips to help you keep costs low.

 

Recipe ideas

 

Cooking on a budget

  • Regularly check what food you have in stock - the best way to save money on food is to base your meals around what you have already. This way, when you visit the shops, you’ll only buy the items you need
  • Try cooking a fakeaway instead of ordering your favourite takeaway, Fakeaways vs. takeaways - takeaway style food for £2.57 (moneyaware.co.uk)
  • Reduce your meat consumption and try initiatives such as ‘Meat Free Monday’. Popular meats such as chicken breast and lean mince can be expensive. Try replacing meat with cheaper alternatives such as vegetables. Ease yourself in by replacing or bulking out the mincemeat in bolognese or chilli with frozen veggie mince or onions and peppers. Try cooking curries using filling pulses such as lentils, or using potatoes instead of meat
  • Make a meal plan. This handy beginner’s guide to meal planning is a great place to give yourself a kick-start. There’s also Supercook, a fantastic online recipe database that tracks down recipes for you based on what you’ve got in the cupboard
  • Use supermarket coupons. As part of your meal planning each week, check to see if there are any coupons available which you can print off at home or use on your phone to get discounts on your ingredients. Try com supermarket coupons or FreeStuff.co.uk printable vouchers
  • Using your microwave to cook is far cheaper than using your hob or oven
  • Consider bulk buying basics. Store cupboard favourites such as rice can be bought in large 10kg bags for as little as £10, compared to 1kg bags for £2-£4
  • Check out the reduced section. Don’t forget, most supermarkets have multiple reduced sections. Freeze meat or fish as soon as you get home, and include it in your next weekly meal plan
  • Cut vegetables into smaller pieces so they cook faster
  • Downshift your brands. The concept is simple: it’s about dropping down one ‘brand level’ on a product, testing it, and if you can’t taste the difference – buying that in the future
  • Always check the sell by and use buy date on food that you buy, food with the longest use by dates tend to be at the back of the self
  • Make sure you use the right size pan for the meal you are cooking. The smaller the pan, the less energy you will use
  • Covering pots and pans helps to trap heat, so you can cook things quicker, or achieve the same level of boiling or frying without having the hob turned up so high. This can save about 3% in energy costs, per pan
  • When boiling the kettle, only fill it with the amount of water you need

 

Foodbanks

If you are struggling to buy food, then one of the Foodbanks in Newport might be able to help you. Alternatively, please get in touch with our Housing Support t team on tenancysupport@newportcityhomes.com or call 01633 381 111 as soon as possible.

 

Money

The cost-of-living crisis is having a direct impact on everyone’s finances. Below are the details of financial support services and grants that you might be eligible for. If you are experiencing financial difficulty, then please do get in touch with us via one of the methods above.

  • Homes in council tax bands A-D ARE eligible for the £150 council tax rebate. If you pay by direct debit, you will get the rebate automatically. If you pay manually, you can fill out an online form on the council website or head to the information centre at The Riverfront.
  • Use benefit checkers like turn2us and entitledto.co.uk to see what benefits you are entitled to
  • You might be able to access the Emergency Assistance Payment (EAP) & Individual Assistance Payment (IAP) grants if you are in a financial emergency or are a carer. Apply online here or call 0800 859 5924
  • Newport Citizens Advice Bureau (01633 222 622): can provide impartial advice on benefits, debt, consumer rights, housing, employment, and family issues if you need help
  • If you need to use credit to pay for new household items, such as white goods, try not to use high interest payday loans. Instead see if Newport Credit Union (01633 214913) can provide you with affordable credit
  • Wastesavers (01633 281281) and Ravenhouse Trust (01633 762 999) sell recycled furniture and IT equipment and small electrical goods.
  • Re:Make Newport (01633 846806) can help to repair broken items that you have and also provide low cost rentals on DIY tools and other useful ite
  • If you are facing money worries or concerned about paying bills, we can help
  • Our specialist advisors provide support and guidance and can help you apply for grants and benefits you may not realise you are entitled to. If you want help, then please contact your Customer Account Manager or our Housing Support team on tenancysupport@newportcityhomes.com or call 01633 381 111
  • Avoid using payday loans and other financial services with high interest rates