Cost of Living Support

The increased cost of living is having a huge impact on all our communities across our district. It’s a difficult time for everyone, especially as the winter draws in. There is a huge amount of support available and this page will give you the information you need to seek the help you require.

Whether you’re looking for support with energy bills, food, or living essentials, our cost of living information hub can help you access the right support.

If you know of someone who is unable to access this information online but may be eligible for any of the support listed on this page, please encourage them to call our customer service team on 01444 458166 so we can assist them directly.

Food Banks, Low Cost and Free Food

Mid Sussex Voluntary Action who leads on the Mid Sussex Food Partnership group have created a dedicated webpage to signpost you to a range of local community support. 

The webpage provides information on food banks, how to access low cost and free food, food saving ideas and other forms of support such as NHS healthy start vouchers. You can find all this information on their website.

Visit: www.msva.org.uk/get-help-with-food or call: 07887325816

Boiler upgrade scheme

This scheme provides funding for premises owners (residential or business) to install heat pumps (or biomass boilers) to replace fossil fuel boilers to help energy efficiency/long-term cost saving for residents.

For more information visit the government website: www.gov.uk/apply-boiler-upgrade-scheme/check-if-youre-eligible.

Energy saving with LEAP 

LEAP (Local Energy Advice Partnership) provides free support for lower income households across West Sussex. They offer Home Energy visits and can install free energy- saving features. There is also telephone support for money advice, information and referrals to other services, schemes, grants and support with bills.

Call: 0800 060 7567 or email: support@applyforleap.org.uk or visit: www.applyforleap.org.uk.

Warmer Homes Programme

The Warmer Homes Programme offers a range of energy-efficiency improvements up to £25,000 for eligible Mid Sussex residents until March 2025. It covers various upgrades, including insulation, heating, and solar panels. Funding is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

For further information about the programme, visit: https://www.warmerhomes.org.uk/

To check if you’re eligible, and to apply, visit: https://www.gov.uk/apply-home-upgrade-grant

Energy advice and information

On the West Sussex affordable energy website, you can find a range of trusted information from local services by going to the ‘Advice’ section and selecting ‘Mid Sussex District Council’. There are also energy-saving tips, heating advice, grants and up to date information on the latest government schemes.

Visit the website: www.westsussexenergy.co.uk.

Further Advice

For further information and advice on home energy efficiency, please see our ‘Net Zero Home’ webpage. A Net Zero Home - Mid Sussex District Council

If you are a business looking for support, please visit the ‘Net Zero Business’ webpage (A Net Zero Business - Mid Sussex District Council)  or the Business Support page (Business Support - Mid Sussex District Council).

Warm Home Discount Scheme

The Warm Home Discount Scheme is a one-off £150 discount off your electricity bill.

If you're eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill. The money is not paid to you.

You'll usually get the discount automatically if you're eligible.

You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity and you're eligible. Contact your supplier to find out.

The discount will not affect your Cold Weather Payment or Winter Fuel Payment.

For more information, visit: www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme

There is a wide range of housing support available including help to stay in your home, sheltered housing for older people, and support for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

The sooner you get in touch with us for support, the sooner we can help you, regardless of your situation.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us via email: at housingadvice@midsussex.gov.uk or call: 01444 477574 or visit www.midsussex.gov.uk/housing-council-tax/housing-support/

If you are struggling to pay your bills or rent, visit our benefits pages where you can find details of a range of support available.

Council Tax support

Help may be available with Council Tax payments in two ways, firstly for those on low incomes or via a second adult rebate based on the income of certain adults in your household. You can find further information, help and advice about the support scheme on our Benefits and Council Tax Support pages. 

Pension credit

Find out if you or someone you know could get Pension Credit to top up your weekly income if you are over state pension age. Receiving pension credit can also give you access to additional help, such as help with heating bills, housing costs and a free TV licence if you’re over 75.

Visit: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/help-if-on-a-low-income/pension-credit/

The Mid Sussex Wellbeing service is a joint initiative provided by both Mid Sussex District Council and West Sussex County Council. The Wellbeing service can help you to find local wellbeing information and services.

You can get advice and support on how to make small changes to improve your health and wellbeing such as looking after your mental health, debt and money advice, how to stop smoking, how to become more active or how to make your meals healthier. Free face to face or telephone outreach appointments with the wellbeing team are also available.

Find out more on the Mid Sussex Wellbeing website: www.midsussex.westsussexwellbeing.org.uk/      

The Disabled Facilities Grant

The Disabled Facilities Grant is a grant of up to £30,000 to assist disabled residents live safely and more independently in their own homes. Grants are accessible to homeowners, renters in private or social housing, and mobile home residents. Adaptations can be made for both adults and children, with no means-test for child applications.

There are also additional grants available for eligible home improvements, such as enhancing electrical and gas safety and repairing boilers. It may also apply during palliative care. To find out more: contact the Housing Standards Team on 01444 477300 or email: housingstandards@midsussex.gov.uk.

There are many organisations and charities locally and nationally that also offer help to those who need it. If you know of an organisation that should be included within this list, please email: comms@midsussex.gov.uk.