Three in five expect food prices to rise: here’s the help you might not know about

Nearly three in five Brits (60% of us) are bracing for more price hikes in the supermarkets. Almost half of those worried about rising costs are considering cheaper alternatives. Even more alarming, 35% say they’ll just cut back on food altogether.

These are the results of new research by the Liberal Democrats, based on a survey of over 2,000 UK adults. The research looks at how the government's new inheritance tax laws, called the 'family farm tax’, could affect over 700,000 farms and, in turn, raise food prices.

The survey also highlighted the strain rising prices could put on people’s health, with 18% of those expecting price hikes saying they’ll buy less fresh fruit and vegetables.

Farmers and opposition parties are warning that the changes, set to start in April 2026, could force farmers to sell their land. This would lead to fewer crops being grown and higher prices at the checkout.  

Adviser Matt’s advice: don’t miss out on available help

If you're worried about rising living costs and are unsure where to turn for help, you're not alone. In the year to September 2024, we made 13,652 food bank referrals to help those struggling to afford food.

There are many resources out there that could make a big difference.

Matt, one of our expert debt advisers, explains how stress and debt often go hand in hand and how many of the people we speak to don’t realise what help is available, like water grants and energy bill support.

“… we do speak to a lot of clients who are struggling with mental health. Not only do we want to get them [our customers] out of debt, we want to prevent it,” he says.

One key thing we do during our calls is a benefits assessment. We help customers find benefits they might not know they're entitled to, like council tax support, universal credit or disability payments. For example, we helped someone get an extra £800 a month in benefits.

“That was essentially the difference between them struggling every month and being able to pay the bills on time and have that empowerment,” says Matt.

If you’re worried about the rising cost of food, energy and other living essentials and don’t have enough money to live on, here’s a run-down of some of the support that’s available that could make a big difference.

Food banks

If you're struggling to put food on the table, food banks could be a huge help. And the best part? They're everywhere.

How to access a food bank

You usually need a referral from someone like a GP, a social worker or even your child’s school. Once referred, you'll get a voucher for a parcel of food, typically lasting about three days.

It’s a short-term solution but can make a big difference.

Find out more on our food bank support page.

Household Support Fund

The Household Support Fund (HSF) provides households with grants for essential bills, like food, energy and more.

How it works:

Local councils distribute HSF and the amount you get can vary. If you’re eligible, you can expect one-off payments of about £100, sometimes in vouchers.

Who is eligible for the Household Support Fund?

Eligibility for HSF varies depending on your council. In general, it’s available for:

• low-income families with children
• pensioners on low incomes
• people receiving disability benefits
• those experiencing financial hardship

If you're unsure whether you qualify for HSF, it's best to contact your local authority for more information.  If successful, you'll receive the money directly from your council, usually within a few weeks.

Grants to help with energy costs

With energy bills rising again in January, don’t miss out on grants that could ease the pressure:

• energy suppliers like British Gas, EDF and Octopus offer support packages
• charitable trusts may also offer to people with certain characteristics e.g. a health condition or job
• if you have a prepayment meter, you might be eligible for a fuel voucher to top up your gas/electric. Contact your local council, food bank or Citizens Advice

Help with your water bill

Do you receive benefits? Do you use a lot of water for medical reasons or have at least three children? Is your home fitted with a water meter, or are you waiting for one to be installed?

If you answered ‘yes’ to all of these questions, you could be eligible for WaterSure, a scheme designed to help lower your water bills.

How to apply for WaterSure

• Each company has its own application form - start by finding your water supplier and contact them.
• Provide the necessary documents.
• You’ll need to show proof of the benefits you receive and any medical conditions (if applicable).
• Once your form is submitted, your water company will review your application and let you know if you qualify for help.

Universal credit and other benefits

Universal credit is replacing six other benefits with a single monthly payment. You may get universal credit if you’re out of work or on a low income.

How much you’ll get depends on your income, savings and living situation. Some people also qualify for extra elements like housing support, money to contribute to the cost of raising children or help with disabilities.

Use our benefits calculator to check you're getting all you're entitled to.

Emergency help

If you’re in urgent need of cash, don’t wait, act now. Here's what you can do:

• Single parents - check for additional benefits and grants, there are lots of programs that could ease the burden.
• Urgent grants and financial aid is available. Organisations like Turn2Us can help you find the right grants for specific needs (e.g., school uniforms, unexpected bills).

The high cost of living doesn’t look like it’s going away anytime soon, but you don’t have to face it alone. From food banks to grants, there are numerous ways to make life easier.

As Matt says, knowledge is power, and it isn’t just about managing debt, it’s about being aware of all the support out there.

“The most satisfying part for me… is just seeing the relief you get from the clients… when they realise there is actually a solution and light at the end of the tunnel, that makes the hour, hour and a half phone call more than worth it,” he says.