The cost of living crisis peaked in 2022-23 but its legacy is prices that remain 25-30% higher than before the pandemic across essentials. Here are the interventions that actually move the needle.
Energy
1. Check Ofgem's comparison service: Some tariffs now undercut the price cap. Switching takes 10 minutes and can save £100-£200 per year.
2. Apply for the Warm Home Discount: If you're on means-tested benefits, you may be entitled to a £150 rebate on electricity — apply at gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme.
3. Turn your thermostat down by 1°C: Saves roughly 10% of heating costs — around £170 per year for an average household.
4. Check cavity wall and loft insulation eligibility: Government grants under the Great British Insulation Scheme can pay for insulation in full.
Food
5. Switch to own-brand products for storecupboard items: Own-brand pasta, tinned tomatoes, flour, and cooking oil are chemically identical to branded equivalents. Typical saving: £30-£50 per month.
6. Use a supermarket with a consistently lower price level: Aldi and Lidl are 30-40% cheaper than Sainsbury's and Tesco for a comparable basket.
7. Meal plan before shopping: Reduces waste (the average UK household bins £700 of food annually) and impulse purchases.
Transport
8. Check railcard eligibility: 16-17, 16-25, 26-30, Two Together, Family, Senior, Disabled, Network — if you travel by rail, a £30-£35 railcard typically pays back within two journeys.
9. Check your car insurance at renewal: Loyalty pricing is endemic. Use comparison sites at every renewal.
Subscriptions
10. Audit every direct debit: The average UK household has £96/month in subscriptions they have forgotten about or rarely use.
11. Share streaming services: Legitimate account-sharing with household members keeps per-person cost low.
Benefits
12. Use a benefits calculator: Turn2Us and EntitledTo take 10 minutes and may identify support you didn't know you were entitled to.
13. Check council tax band: Up to 400,000 UK properties are in the wrong council tax band — too high. Challenge yours at gov.uk.
