If this is the first time you are setting up a home and managing household bills, you need to think about the basic things you need to start with, including:

  • Carpets
  • Furniture
  • Curtains/blinds
  • White goods - fridge, washing machine, etc
  • Cooker
  • Bed(s) and bedding
  • Towels
  • Kettle, pans, cups, plates and cutlery
  • Television and TV Licence

Once you have set up your home, there will be regular bills to pay, including:

  • Rent
  • Council Tax
  • Gas and electricity
  • Telephone bill
  • Food and household goods
  • Clothing
  • Home Contents Insurance
  • Car expenses including insurance, tax and MOT
  • Travelling expenses (bus/train fare, car parking)
  • Any credit cards, store cards or catalogue payments

How much money will I need?

Draw up a simple income and expenditure sheet so you know exactly how much you will have coming in and going out on a weekly/monthly basis.

How do I know how much my bills will cost?

Gas and Electricity – according to the Money Helper website, the average domestic energy bills for 2023 were estimated by the government to be £2,592 per year (or £216 per month).  You should use an independent price comparison website to find the best deal for you.

Water bill - according to the Money Helper website, Water UK estimate that the average water and sewerage bill is £448.00 a year or £37.00 per month (this varies by region).

Rent and Council Tax – you will be informed of your rent at sign up.  North East Derbyshire District Council will send you a separate bill which will inform you of how much your Council Tax is for the year.

Food and Housekeeping – according to the Money Helper Website, the average family’s food bill was £95.00 per week in 2022.  This will be less for a single person but it is important to factor in your weekly shopping when working out your income and expenditure.

TV Licence – a colour TV licence costs £169.50 for the full year in 2024/25.  You can pay for your TV Licence monthly.  The cost is £14.12 per month.

Broadband - broadband usually comes packaged in a media bundle that also includes TV, so the average prices can vary. According to the Money Helper website, Ofcom show that the average price of a standard broadband (including TV and fixed landline) could be around £35.79.

Home Contents Insurance – We recommend you visit an independent price comparison website for the best deal for you. North East Derbyshire District Council have teamed up with Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance company to provide a contents insurance for residents.

Where can I get help?

Speak to our Financial Inclusion Officer for help with budgeting.

Get in touch with us to find out more

I can’t afford new furniture – what should I do?

Visit the Ashgate Hospice Furniture Store and Bedroom Centre for quality second-hand furniture at reasonable prices, as well as helping a local registered charity.

Ashgate Hospicecare
Furniture Store and Bedroom Centre
Unit 9A
Storforth Lane Trading Estate
Hasland
Chesterfield
S41 0QD