Help for our service users with the cost of living

Welcome to our cost-of-living page for service users, carers and the public based in Leeds.

We’ve developed a booklet which contains information that could help you through the cost-of-living crisis.

There is also information about how to get help in a mental health crisis, and how to connect with local community groups that could help you too.

Copies have been distributed to staff in our services that cover the Leeds area. This is so they can be used in discussions between our service users and staff, and copies can also be handed out.

Download a screen-friendly copy of it here. 

The booklet has been developed by our Communications Team. If you’re interested in receiving a copy, or if you work with people who would find this useful, please get in touch with us via communications.lypft@nhs.net.

If you need this information in an alternative format or language, please contact our Interpretation and Translation Support Team.
Tel: 0113 85 56418
Email: translation2.lypft@nhs.net

A lot of this information is drawn from Together Leeds – Helping with the cost of living.

Leeds City Council also send out a regular cost of living update for residents. The latest version can be found on this page.

You can also find out what support is available nationally on the government website at www.gov.uk/cost-of-living

Cost of living support in Leeds

The Leeds Money Information Centre (MIC)

In Leeds, you can access free help and advice on a range of money related matters from the Leeds Money Information Centre. One-to-one tailored support is available online, on the phone and via face-to-face appointments. They offer advice and support on things including:

• Debt
• Benefits advice and Universal Credit
• Emergency food
• Low cost loans and avoiding loan sharks
• Energy and household bills
• Employment support
• Gambling harms

Visit Money Information Centre Leeds. This service is hosted by Leeds City Council If you are struggling to access their information, please call them on 0113 222 4444.

Leeds Community Hubs

There are 26 community hubs across Leeds. They offer free, confidential and tailored support and information under one roof. Their friendly staff can help you with:

• Job applications
• Money-saving tips and budgeting
• Claiming benefits you could be eligible for
• Using the free computers
• Getting online and developing your digital skills

Find out more about Leeds Community Hubs. This service is hosted by Leeds City Council. If you are struggling to access their information, please call them on 0113 222 4444.

Keeping your home warm

If you are finding it difficult to pay your gas and electric bills, or you are in arrears, you can contact your energy supplier to arrange to pay them back at a more affordable rate. For advice on what to do if you are struggling to pay your energy bills, contact Leeds Citizens Advice on 0808 2787878, visit them at: Oxford House, Oxford Row, Leeds, LS1 3BE, or visit the Citizen Advice Leeds website.

The Government’s cost of living page has information about:

• The national utility Cost of Living Payment – including the date of your next payment and how to report if it’s missing
• The Pensioner Cost of Living Payment for winter 2024/25 and the Winter Fuel Payment
• The Warm Home Discount Scheme which reopened in October 2024
• Applying for the Cold Weather Payment See “Support with your bills” at: www.gov.uk/cost-of-living

Reduce your fuel bills

There are grants and schemes available to improve your home energy efficiency.

Home Plus (Leeds)

Home Plus (Leeds) is a service to promote independent living by improving health at home and helping to prevent falls and cold related health conditions. The service can provide:

• Servicing and repairs to heating and hot water systems
• Help changing to the cheapest energy deal
• Free energy saving equipment and advice
• Draught proofing and small scale energy efficiency measures
• In some cases, access to grant assistance for heating and insulation

Contact Home Plus (Leeds) by calling 0113 240 6009,  emailing Home Plus Leeds or visiting the Leeds’ care and repair website.

Help paying bills using your benefits

If you receive any type of benefit you can have an amount deducted for fuel from your regular benefit payment to cover your fuel bills and arrears. This is called ‘third party deductions’ and sometimes Fuel Direct. For more information visit manage deductions from your benefits to pay debts and bills.

Welcome Spaces

Leeds has a network of Welcome Spaces. These include libraries, community centres, community hubs and other places offering a warm welcome and free to use for anyone struggling to heat their home. Some places offer hot drinks, activities, and other services such as free Wi-Fi. Welcome Spaces will be heated, safe and friendly places where you can comfortably spend time reading, studying or chatting with others.

Find your nearest Welcome Space
There is an online map of where all the welcome spaces are in Leeds. If you are struggling to access their information, please call them on 0113 222 4444.

Help paying your water bill

If you’re struggling to pay your water bill there’s short term and longer-term schemes you can apply for. Find out more about help paying your bills. Or give Yorkshire Water a call on 0345 1 299 299.

Jobs

If you’re struggling to find the right job, or need to develop your skills, advice and support is available from Employment and Skills Leeds. Their Employment Advisors can offer:

• Individual support tailored to your needs
• Careers advice and guidance
• Opportunities to learn new skills, and more

Employment and Skills Leeds is based at: Merrion House, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 8BB. Or visit the Employment and Skills webpage. This service is hosted by Leeds City Council If you are struggling to access their information, please call them on 0113 222 4444.