Cost of living

If you are struggling with the increased cost of living, you can find information here on where to get help with food, energy and other costs.

Help for Households

The Government’s Help for Households website gives you access to more than 40 different Government schemes available to help with the cost of living, including new one-off payments as well as existing benefits and schemes.

Find out more about Help for Households

Local help and support

There is a range of help and support being offered by local organisations in Dacorum:

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  • Business

    Hertfordshire Growth Hub

    Hertfordshire Growth Hub's Cost of Living Business Support Hub is designed to support business owners in Hertfordshire who are looking for resources on how to manage the increases to the cost of living and the impact that it may be having on your business and workforce.

    This support falls under three broad categories:

    • Boosting business resilience
    • Reducing costs by increasing the efficiency and sustainability of your business
    • Helping you maintain the wellbeing of yourself and your workforce.

    Find out more about the Cost of Living Business Support Hub.

    Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS)

    The Government introduced the Energy Bill Relief Scheme to support businesses this winter by giving them a discount on gas and electricity unit rates.

    The scheme is available to everyone on a non-domestic contract including: businesses, voluntary sector organisations and public sector organisations such as schools, hospitals and care homes.

    Visit the Government website for more information.

  • Energy

    HEAT App

    Download the Hertfordshire Energy Advice Tool App to see where you can save energy and make savings at home.

    Home energy advice

    Find out about how to save energy at home and the current grants available to make your home more energy efficient. 

    Website: www.dacorum.gov.uk/homeenergy

    Warm Spaces

    Heating our homes is more expensive than ever, so Hertfordshire County Council and its partners have developed a network of Warm Spaces, which people can use to stay warm this winter. Find out more about the Warm Herts - Warm Spaces initiative.

  • Families

    Adventure Playgrounds

    Free open-access play provision where children can engage in a variety of free activities and use equipment they may not have access to at home (such as computers for homework or gaming). Subsidised food and refreshments are also available and 11-16 year olds can attend evening youth groups (50p per session).

    Website: www.dacorum.gov.uk/adventureplaygrounds

    Families First

    Local advice and practical help to manage finances and make savings.

    Website: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/familiesfirst

  • Food

    Dacorum Foodbank

    Run by DENS, the Foodbank is part of a nationwide network of food banks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.

    Website: www.dens.org.uk/our-services/foodbank/

    Hemel Hempstead Community Fridge

    On Wednesdays and Saturdays at Highfield Community Centre  you can get good surplus food free of charge or donate food you know you won’t eat.

    Website: www.foodbevg.com/GB/Hemel-Hempstead/105471

  • Money

    Citizens Advice Dacorum

    Offers information and support online and in person.

    Website: dacorumcab.org.uk/

    Dacorum First Credit Union

    Provides people who live or work in Dacorum with a simple and affordable way to save and borrow money.

    Website: dacorumfirst.co.uk/

  • Other

    Dacorum Community Trust

    An independent charity that provide a range of practical support, including beds, cookers, fridges, children’s equipment, bedding and kitchen starter packs and emergency energy vouchers.

    Website: www.dctrust.org.uk

    Community Transport

    Eligible people can get help accessing medical appointments, shopping, and some social appointments.

    Website: https://communityactiondacorum.org/community-transport 

    Shopmobility

    Allows people to borrow mobility aids and scooters when visiting The Marlowes Shopping Centre. People travelling by public transport should phone ahead, while those travelling by car should go to the disabled section of the Marlowes car park.

    Website: https://communityactiondacorum.org/shopmobility 

You can also find more information on help with the cost of living through Hertfordshire County Council.

Applying for benefits and financial help

You can check if you are eligible for benefits on the entitled to website.

If you are already receiving some help to pay your rent, but are still struggling to pay your housing costs, you could apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment.

If you're a council tenant concerned about your rent, please speak to your housing officer (income). You can contact them by calling 01442 228000 and either asking for them by name or just ask for "Housing Rent".

You can visit our money advice page for more financial help or you may want to find out what other help may be available to you based on your personal circumstances through Turn2us.