Rutland County Council has launched a guide to local organisations and support schemes that can help households who are struggling with the rising cost of living.

This week, the 7th - 11th of November 2022, marks the start of Talk Money week, in which people are encouraged to be more open about money and get advice from experts if needed.

Talk Money week is hosted by the Money and Pensions Services and is an opportunity for everyone to get involved with events and activities across the UK which help people have more open conversations about their money – from pocket money to pensions – and continue these conversations year-round. Head online to find out more.

With lots of help available in Rutland, the problem for residents can often be knowing exactly where to go to get support. To try and overcome this barrier, Rutland County Council has compiled a 'one-stop shop' for information and advice about how to tackle the rising cost of living. 

This information is being made readily available in a single place on the Council's website, and a printed booklet containing the same useful information can be obtained free from the Council's offices and local libraries.  

Councillor Lucy Stephenson, Leader of Rutland County Council, said: "This is an understandably worrying time for people, especially as the weather gets colder and with Christmas is just round the corner. We know that talking about finances can be difficult, but we want to encourage as many people as possible who are struggling to seek help where they can.

"There is lots of independent, expert advice on how to reduce your outgoings and make bills more manageable. There's also emergency support with food and money if you're in crisis and need urgent help. We hope that bringing all this information together in a single place will be a big help to households and families, whether they have used these services before or not."

By way of extra support to residents, Rutland County Council is introducing a new 'Warm Hubs' initiative. Throughout the winter months all four of Rutland's public libraries (Oakham, Uppingham, Ryhall and Ketton), will operate as a Warm Hubs with free Wi-Fi. This will be during regular opening hours as well as volunteer-supported extended hours at Ketton and Ryhall, and is for anyone struggling to heat their home. You can find details of all four libraries' regular opening hours online. 

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As of Monday the 7th of November, Ketton library opens from 10.00am until 4.00pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

From Wednesday the 9th of November, Ryhall library will open 10.00am until 4.00pm every Wednesday. This will be extended to Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday during the winter months of December, January and February. The additional hours are being delivered with volunteer support thanks to Ketton and Ryhall Parish Councils.

Elsewhere, Uppingham Methodist Church on Orange St is opening as a warm space from 10.00am to 12.00pm on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Sing up for the Oakham Nub News Newsletter to keep up to date with the latest on the cost of living crisis, the approach being taken by Rutland County Council, and much more.