Cost-of-Living Support
Cost-of-living increases are affecting us all - every household, every business every organisation in our region.
So, it's important that we work together to do everything we can to increase our incomes and reduce our expenditure.
We also need to make sure that we focus our support on people who need the most help to deal with its impact; we understand that people will be concerned about being able to cover their costs.
One-stop shop Cost of Living DG website
A new website is available to help Dumfries and Galloway residents with cost-of-living increases.
The site is a one-stop shop detailing help with money and benefits, household bills, finding work, health and wellbeing, as well as support for families, young people, the elderly, and disabled.
Cost-of-living increases are now affecting everyone living and working in Dumfries and Galloway, but many residents remain unaware of what help is available to them.
The website - https://costofliving.dumgal.gov.uk - details the support at Dumfries and Galloway, national and UK level and will evolve as information and support changes.
It has been developed by the region's Poverty and Inequalities Partnership and signposts people in need to information and resources that can mitigate the impact of falling income or increased bills.
Visit Cost of Living DG website >>
Our Council's approach
Tackling the cost-of-living increases is the number one policy priority of the Leader's Panel in our Council and is front and centre on the agendas of our committees and in our discussions with partners.
Councillors are clear about the need to support all our stakeholders: citizens, customers, staff and partners (particularly businesses and third sector organisations) during these difficult times.
We listen to the people in our region about how best our Council can help.
We also identify areas where we want to see change at Scottish and UK level and work with partners to make local views known.
Available support
Our Council offers support to people in a variety of ways and these are outlined below.
Help for those on low incomes
- Benefits - find out about a range of sources to help with food, heating and your home here: Benefits and financial supports
- Council Tax reductions - get information about reducing your Council Tax here: Council tax reductions for low income households
- Benefits for young children - support is available for those with young children here: Early learning and childcare
- Free period products: Access to free period products
- Education grants and support: Financial support for education
Help with your home and energy costs
Help for those who pay for Council services
There's a small number of Council services where charges are normally made. Reductions are available to help our customers access these services:
- Young Scot cards
- Easy Access Leisure Pass - make an enquiry here: Leisure membership
- Museums, galleries and film theatres: Robert Burns Film Theatre, Dumfries and Ryan Centre, Stranraer
- Care Call (Telecare)
There's also a free system through our libraries for a wide range of electronic books, audio books and magazines - more information is available here: Borrow eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines
Help for private businesses and social enterprises
There is a number of different grants and support available from our Council to help businesses and social enterprises. Details can be found here:
- Business rates reductions for small businesses
- Business rates reductions for renewable energy producers
In addition, there is excellent information available for businesses on the Business Gateway and FindBusinessSupport.gov.scot websites:
- Rising Costs Support | Business Gateway | Business Gateway (bgateway.com)
- Cost of doing business: guidance for businesses in Scotland - Find Business Support
- Digital Skills Map - Third Sector Dumfries & Galloway (tsdg.org.uk)
Help for third sector organisations
Our Council gives grants and support to more than 500 different community and voluntary organisations to deliver the great work they do. Information about available funding and grants can be found here:
Help if you're feeling worried and anxious
This can be a worrying time for people and talking it through with someone can help. Council staff across a range of services are available and you can also contact Samaritans for free on 116 123 at any time.
In addition, to find out more about what you can do to be physically active in Dumfries and Galloway visit DG Doing More.
Contact us
If you have any general enquiries or are not sure who to talk to, please email us on contact@dumgal.gov.uk or call us on 030 33 33 3000 or you can write to us at Dumfries and Galloway Council, Council Offices, English Street, Dumfries DG1 2DD and we will direct your enquiry to the right service.
