Reduce your outgoings

Below are some ways you might be able to reduce your outgoings.

Council tax discounts and exemptions

You may be able to get a discount or exemption from council tax if:

  • you live alone or with someone who is not counted (such as a full time student)
  • you are a full-time student
  • you or another occupant are disabled and live in a larger property than you would need otherwise
  • you are on a low income

Visit our council tax support pages for more information.

Move to a smaller home

If you live in a property that is larger than you need, you may want to consider moving to a smaller home with lower rent and running costs.

The amount of Universal Credit or housing benefit you get towards your rent may be reduced if you have any spare bedrooms. This is known as the Bedroom Tax or Under Occupation reduction.

Housing Association tenants could be given a higher priority for rehousing. Visit BFC My Choice for more information.

Help to save accounts

Open a help to save account if you can.

This can effectively double your money over 4 years.

Reduce debt payments deducted from your benefits

If your benefit entitlement is reduced by deductions to repay a debt you owe, contact the Department of Work and Pensions. Ask them how much you owe for each debt that is being deducted and ask for the debt to be reduced if you are in financial hardship.

If this debt is a housing benefit overpayment contact the Housing Team by:

Other tips for reducing outgoings

Pay by installments

Ask suppliers to increase the number of installments to reduce the amount you pay over a longer period.

If you are billed annually or quarterly, you can ask to change the frequency to either weekly, fortnightly or monthly if this will make the payments easier for you to manage.

TV and internet

Renegotiate your contract to reduce the charge by cancelling services you do not need. This might include voicemail or film and sports channels.

Switch suppliers to get a cheaper deal. Investigate bundle deals where phone, TV and internet combined will save you having separate subscriptions.

Consider cancelling your TV subscription and investigate purchasing a Freeview box for a one-off payment.

Landline or mobile phone

Renegotiate your contract or cancel if your household can manage without one of them. Make sure to check for any cancellation charges.

Energy bills

Tariffs normally last for 12 months. After the 12 months you could be moved onto a standard tariff which often costs more.

You can look at reducing your costs by:

  • switching suppliers (this can be done if you have a prepayment meter or debts under £200)
  • comparing energy tariffs online, purchase both gas and electric from the same supplier
  • paying by direct debit if you can
  • having a smart meter installed for free
  • if you have arrears, or difficulty paying your energy bill, contacting your supplier to ask about their support schemes and trust funds

Visit our energy efficiency pages for information on reducing your bills by making your home more efficient.

Water bills

To help reduce your bill, you may want to request a water meter. Before you do, contact your water provider to ask if having a water meter will reduce your bill.

If you cannot have a meter installed, talk to your provider about changing your tariff. They may have several ways to help some customers on low incomes with their water bill. 

Food bills

You may be able to reduce your costs by:

  • making a weekly meal plan using the ingredients you already have and then make a shopping list of any missing items
  • doing the shopping weekly, as doing it daily makes you spend more
  • being strict about purchasing only what you will eat - the average family with children throw away almost £60 of good food each month
  • swapping to cheaper brands
  • making packed lunches
  • use budget friendly recipes
  • accessing free school meals

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