Help with the cost of living

How is the council helping you to save money?

Westminster City Council has committed to freezing the council tax for 2009-10. You can find out more about council tax rates here.

MyWestminster Rescard gives residents discounts on over 200 venues and events as well as significant discounts on our leisure facilities.

Senior Passport gives details of local services and sources of advice and support for older people. It also provides information on offers, entitlements, local leisure facilities and social events. Visit the Senior Passport web page.

Westminster's libraries offer users nearly a million books, plus CDs, DVDs, language courses and talking books, as well as newspapers, magazines, local information and access to computers. Visit the libraries web pages. They can also help you with support and advice on getting back into work.

Culture Shox is a council initiative to encourage 13-19 year olds to make the most of the free cultural opportunities that are here in the centre of London. There is a fold out leaflet which gives details of dozens of museums, galleries and things to do that are all free and the website is where you can enter competitions to win free tickets for ballet, films, plays, and concerts.

We may be able to help with home to school travel costs. Since September 2005 all children living in London under the age of 16 have been able to travel for free on London's buses and trams if they hold the relevant photocard. Forms are available in main Post Offices. In certain circumstances, if it is not possible to travel by bus, Westminster City Council may be able to provide a free travel pass (including rail and underground) to children of compulsory school age living in Westminster. To find out more, please contact the School Admissions Team on 020 7641 1816 or visit their website.

The council also provides financial assistance with travel costs for 16-19 year olds, subject to the following criteria: being a Westminster resident and enrolled on a full-time (over 12 hours per week) course at a sixth form in Westminster; home to school travel distance of more than 3 miles and cost of over £10 per week; receipt of the maximum Education Maintenance Allowance; and regular attendance and good conduct on courses. To find out more, please contact 020 7641 1842/43 or visit their website.

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Do you want financial advice and support?

Westminster City Council's One Stop Services and Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit Service can advise you on whether you are entitled to housing benefit, which helps with the cost of your rent, or council tax benefit, which pays some or all of your council tax if you are on a low income.

Citizens Advice gives you advice on managing your finances and any tax issues. Visit their website.

Consumer Credit Counselling Service is a charity that provides confidential, free counselling and money management assistance to financially distressed families and individuals. Visit their website.

DirectGov gives you advice on debt and arrears, court claims and bankruptcy, and planning your way out of debt. Visit their website.

National Debtline provides free debt advice and support for people with money worries and debt problems. Visit their website.

For more information or help, contact beattherecession@westminster.gov.uk