Step 2: can you cut your costs?

1. Work out how much money you have coming in and going out

Think about where your money is going:

Check if you could reduce your energy bills following these ten quick tips
Get free and impartial energy saving advice from Keep Shropshire Warm
Contact your energy supplier if you're struggling to pay for energy or think you may get into difficulty. Some larger suppliers have grants to pay debts
Apply for a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust. These grants are available to anyone - you don’t have to be a British Gas customer
If your house is heated by oil, contact Community Resource to see if joining their oil buying club could save you money
For more advice read the guide on the energy crisis from the Keep Shropshire Warm team
Private tenants check your property is maintained to a decent standard and is safe and warm

If you're in crisis with no food, call the Welfare Support Team on 0345 678 9078 (option 2) or out of hours EDT on 0345 678 9044.

Households earning below £18,278 can apply for discount on their water bill through Severn Trent’s Big Difference Scheme
Check social tariffs to cut the costs of broadband and phone
Check whether you're entitled to free prescriptions (0300 330 1343) or if a prepayment certificate could cut costs
Severn Trent - help when you need it
Charis grants including energy fund grants

Are you currently receiving all of the income you're entitled to?

Who to use and who to avoid if you have to borrow money

Talk to someone if you're worried about your mental health