Post-Christmas Blues - Navigating The Cost-Of-Living Crisis

Christmas may be a distant memory, but your bank account is probably still suffering the impact of the festive season in the current cost-of-living crisis. Increased food and energy prices meant everyone felt the pinch at the end of last year – and it doesn’t look like subsiding any time soon.

If you’re an Edinburgh tenant and are struggling to find your monthly rent payments or pay the bills, what can you do to manage your finances and make your money go further?

Talk To Your Landlord

If paying your rent is a problem, make sure you talk to your landlord or letting agent at the earliest opportunity rather than waiting and falling into arrears. If you’re honest from the start, you have more chance of managing your debt – and not facing the possibility of eviction.

The Scottish Government introduced emergency protection measures for tenants last year that included a freeze on rent increases and a ban on most evictions.

However, the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Bill only prevents evictions until the end of March, and landlords can still take action against tenants who are in significant arrears. (These provisions may be extended by regulations to 30 September 2023 and, thereafter, to 31 March 2024.)

Opening a dialogue with your landlord or letting agent allows you to make an agreement about future payments and come up with a repayment plan for any arrears. If you have made an effort to pay and have made regular contributions, your home is less likely to be at risk.

Check Whether You’re Entitled To Claim Benefits

Even if you’re working, you could be entitled to claim benefits so check using a free benefits calculator. You could also be eligible for others grants and support schemes.

If you already claim benefits but they don’t cover your rent, you can claim a Discretionary Housing Payment from Edinburgh City Council if you fulfil certain criteria.

The council also has online information and an advice shop at 249 High Street
Edinburgh that’s open every day. For full opening times and more details, call 0131 200 2360.

Help With Energy Bills

Every household is receiving £400 help towards rising energy costs, which is being paid in monthly instalments until March. But if you’re still struggling, contact your energy supplier to see if you are eligible for their hardship fund or a grant.

If you’re on benefits, there are other schemes, payments and discounts you may be entitled to:

Warm Home Discount Scheme for £140 off your energy bills

Winter Heating Payment for an extra £50

Child Winter Heating Assistance if you have a child who’s disabled

Winter Fuel Payment if you were born before 25 September 1956

Food Banks

The cost of a weekly shop has rocketed and for many people there’s not much left every week once the rent and bills are paid. Batch cooking is a good way to make your money go further, making large amounts of dishes such as stews and soups that can be frozen to reheat later.

Shopping at the end of the day when items are close to their sell-by date and are reduced is another good strategy for saving money. And if you really don’t have the money to buy groceries and other essential items, food banks can help. You can find one in your area on the Trussell Trust website.

Talk To An Expert

Worrying about money and the security of your home causes stress and anxiety. If you need advice about any Edinburgh property rental issues, talk to the city’s leading letting agent Clan Gordon. With more than 15 years’ experience and a team of expert advisors, we’re here to help. Book a call now to arrange a chat with one of our expert advisors.