Cost of Living: Money saving tips

Repair, recycle, re-use

Our waste team's Reducing Your Waste page has advice on local places where you can find low-cost pre-loved items including clothes, furniture and bikes, as well as information about repair cafes and other ways to reduce waste and save costs.
 

Energy saving tips

You can find useful information about improving your energy efficiency, energy saving tips and saving money on our Energy Efficiency webpages, here.

You can find more information on support with energy costs in the 'Help with Household Costs' section of our interactive form.
 

Food bills

You can find advice on getting financial support with food costs on our interactive form.
 

Library services

You can read books, newspapers and magazines, and use computers for free at your local library as well as borrow items to use at home. They also run a range of activities for all ages including book clubs, craft sessions and Rhymetimes.

Free refreshments are available at Educafe in Newbury Library every Wednesday, 11am to 2pm (the last cafe before Christmas on 7 December 2022, returning on 12 January 2023).
 

Travel

You can find information about national schemes to save money on travel on the GOV.UK Help for Households website.

The RAC also have advice on making savings if you run a car.
 

Paint

A new 'repaint' scheme is now open at the household waste recycling centres in Newbury and Padworth. You can take donated paint free of charge - find out more on our Community Repaint page.
 

Help for Households advice on discounts and savings

The Government Help for Households campaign has information about discounts and savings available nationally from utilities, supermarkets and other retailers.