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Hertfordshire County Council

Find out what support you can get with the cost of living.

 

HertsHelp

Help for households

Citizens advice

Energy and heating support

Hertfordshire’s energy savings app

Unique and easy-to-use, the Hertfordshire Energy Advice Tool (HEAT) app asks you questions and gives quick, easy, low cost actions based on your answers to help save money on your energy bills.

 Download this app from the Apple App Store.Download this app from Google Play.

 

Herts Warm spaces

Heating our homes is more expensive than ever, due to the rising cost of living. If you're struggling to heat your home this winter, here's a list of places where you can stay warm.

 

Central government schemes

Warm Home Discount Scheme – you could get £150 off your electricity bill for winter 2022 to 2023.

Energy Bills Support Scheme – all households with a domestic electricity connection in England are eligible for the discount.

 

Food support

Free school meals

If you're eligible for free school meals due to low income, you can also get vouchers from your school for the half term break. Families can choose to use these supermarket vouchers for food and essentials like blankets, bedding and warm clothing.

Contact your school for more information

Check if you're eligible for free school meals

 

Food banks

Food banks are community organisations that can help if you can’t afford the food you need. You’ll usually need to get a referral to a food bank before you can use it.

A good place to ask for a referral is your nearest Citizens Advice. Tell them you need the food bank – they'll probably make you an appointment to discuss your situation with an adviser. 

Alternatively, you can ask for a referral from an organisation that’s already supporting you – for example, a charity, school or children’s centre.

 

Prescriptions

It can be cheaper to buy a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) if you need to pay for multiple prescriptions.

Save money with a prescription prepayment certificate

 

Holiday activities for kids

The HAPpy programme is running more than 100 activity camps from 3 April – 6 April & 11 April – 14 April 2023.

Book a holiday activity now – there are more than 10,000 free activity camp places. Eligible families should get their booking code from their school and reserve a place at a camp near them as soon as possible.

 

 

Information for professionals

Whether you interact with the public in your day job or as a volunteer, we understand how important it is that you can direct residents to trusted sources of help and advice in Hertfordshire when needed.

Watch webinar: https://youtu.be/C0WgjZ0DGdE

This webinar will help you identify when a resident may need support, be able to signpost them to a trusted source of advice, and know when and how to refer someone who may need more in-depth support from one of our specialist services in the County. You'll hear from services including Citizens Advice, the Money Advice Unit, Age UK and other professionals in Hertfordshire offering support to residents facing an increased cost of living.

If you require this document in a different format, please email matt.mardle@hertfordshire.gov.uk

 

Data

  • Cost of Living Dashboard

This dashboard has been developed for professionals only. If you wish to have access to the dashboard, please email Matt.Mardle@hertfordshire.gov.uk from your professional email address, with your job role and reason for wanting access. By requesting access, you will be agreeing to the below confidentiality agreement.

Royal British Legion cost of living grants

Baby milk, food and vitamins

Support from your district or borough council

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