Isle of Wight Council launches cost-of-living web pages for latest help and support

The Isle of Wight Council has launched a new section to its website offering the latest guidance to residents who are struggling with the ever-rising cost of living. 

The cost-of-living help pages can be found at www.iow.gov.uk/costofliving and have been collated to bring together, in one place, the growing range of local and national help available.

The content includes useful information from a whole raft of public, voluntary, charity, government and business organisations which have been reaching out to support households.

The help pages have been divided into sections for ease of access to information. Those sections are:

• benefits and government support — information about government support including an online benefits calculator; 
• money worries — where to get help if you are worried about money;
• support with energy bills — for people who are struggling to pay utilities and other household expenses;
• food — information on community pantries, food banks and access to healthy food;
• health and wellbeing — mental health support and advice on keeping healthy.

A list of warm and welcoming spaces where residents can meet others, take part in activities, get a warm drink or meal, or spend some quiet time away from home can also be found on the website. 

The warm spaces, welcome places list can be found at https://beta.iow.gov.uk/keep-the-island-safe/cost-of-living/warm-spaces/ 

Councillor Ian Stephens, Cabinet member for homelessness and poverty, said: "We know many people will be concerned about how they make ends meet during the cost-of-living crisis, so we’d like to reassure all our residents that we’re here to support them — just like we were during the pandemic.

"No-one is immune to the rising costs and uncertainty we face this winter and beyond, which can feel overwhelming, and these services are there for anyone and everyone who needs them.

“All the information people may need is now available in one place on the new web pages, making it easier for residents to find out about all the support that’s on hand to help them potentially access payments or save money.

"The help available is growing all the time and the links will be updated to keep in step with these as they emerge in the coming months."

The web pages have been created to offer as much advice as possible to those who may need it during this time. 

This includes links to council services as well as partner agencies across the Island, such as Citizen's Advice Isle of Wight and The Footprint Trust.

Paul Savill, from Citizen's Advice, said: "Demand for our service is continuing to rise as the cost-of-living crisis starts to bite; soaring energy bills and rising food prices are seeing many families struggling to keep up with everyday costs.

"However, help is available for all Island residents — not everything is means tested and you don't have to be on benefits to get support.

"We want to encourage people to seek advice now rather than letting things spiral out of control. I would encourage anyone who is struggling during this time to visit the new web pages or contact us directly for further advice and support on freephone 0800 1448848.”

Ray Harrington-Vail, from The Footprint Trust, which last year assisted more than 2,000 households in cutting their utility bills as well as providing grants and other help, added: "The help pages launched by the council will hopefully provide much-needed signposting and guidance to help support those who currently find themselves in need of help.

"However, it's also a guide for everyone else on where they can find information to reduce bills and find the best and cheapest options to help them through current financial pressures, such as the rising cost of energy."