Support for those who need it most

The plans set out proposals that will see us continue to work with a range of partners across the county to make sure we can get the right help to those who need it, at the right time. This targeted approach will mean that residents can be supported and get assistance from the county council, local district and borough councils, and a range of other community and voluntary sector organisations. The proposed offer of support includes:

• Supermarket food vouchers for families receiving benefits-related free school meals for the October half-term, Christmas school holidays and February half-term next year. The number of families eligible for this support has grown by nearly a quarter since this funding began in 2021.
• Our Welfare Assistance Scheme, helping households on low incomes facing an immediate financial crisis, including providing outreach clinics to support the those who are unable to access our online support.
• New ‘Winter Essential’ and ‘Winter Tangible’ schemes, providing supermarket vouchers, heated blankets, warm bedding and clothes to families in crisis, known to our social care teams.
• Support for food banks and help with energy costs delivered by district and borough councils and Hertfordshire Community Trust.
• Support for homeless persons and survivors of domestic abuse.
• £150 vouchers for new pensioners registered for Pension Credits.
• £50 vouchers for care leavers over the age of 19, identified by our Care Leavers team.
• Further funding for our Money Advice Unit and Citizens Advice to enable them to continue offering financial and debt support.

Cllr Richard Roberts, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council, said:

“We understand the financial pressures that our residents are facing now and these are likely to be even more acute during the colder winter months, which is why we will be working hard with partners to target this support where it’s needed the most.

“While we welcome this most recent extension of the HSF, we will continue to lobby the government to ensure they understand the challenges we are facing here in Hertfordshire, making the case for them to find a longer-term solution to enable us to provide this vital support beyond March next year.”

You can find out about the range of local and national support, including how to apply for our Welfare Assistance Scheme at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/costofliving. If you need help and don't know where to turn, contact HertsHelp – trained advisors are available to offer free, confidential assistance. They can put you in touch with relevant services and local support, visit www.hertshelp.net or call 0300 123 4044.