Save the date!! Rochford's #ByYourSide Cost of Living Community Event is happening on Saturday 30th September!!
Taking place at the Mill Arts and Events Centre in Rayleigh between 11am - 3pm, pop along for various stalls and taster sessions and nab yourself a free goodie bag!
Sign up and get your free tickets here.
The Council is determined to do everything it can at a local level to support people as the cost-of-living rises. This page provides useful information, advice and support from the Council , DWP and other organisations.
The Council is also working with partner organisations to ensure that support continues to be targeted to the most vulnerable residents in the district and welcome any additions to the information we share with residents. Please email to partnerships@rochford.gov.uk
These pages will be regularly reviewed and updated in line with any government changes in support and any local information provided by partners.
The Council, working closely with its partner Brentwood Borough Council, has produced a toolkit of assets and posters to support our #ByYourSide campaign. If you would like to support and share #ByYourSide campaign you can download the toolkit here.
The links are for support and information. They are not an endorsed or approved by Rochford District Council.
Help for Households - Get government cost of living support
Cost of living support Factsheet - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Support with bills and money
Support to make the most of your money and find help if you need it and includes help with budget planning, help with energy bills and other useful information.
Rochford information
Financial Help and Money Advice
Other useful information
Cost of living support government fact sheet - 26 May 2022
Energy bills support government factsheet - 21 September 2022
Money Manager for Universal Credit claimants
Get help with the cost of living - MoneySavingExpert
Cost of living crisis: help, advice and UK news - Which?
Coping With The Cost Of Living. Debt Advice. StepChange
Help with your broadband bills
Support with food
Advice and guidance on eating on a budget, finding your local foodbank in the district, money saving tips, support organisations and cheap recipes.
The Hub at MegaCentre Rayleigh - Tel: 01268 779999
What can I make with... recipe finder
30 delicious recipes you can cook for under £1
Support with wellbeing
Information on local support organisations to support physical and mental health wellbeing.
Rochford information
Looking after your mental health
Crouch Walks - South of the River
Healthy homes and independent living
Castle Point & Rochford Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2022-25
Other useful information
The Hub - The MegaCentre Rayleigh
Ramblers Wellbeing Walks Rochford
Cost of living assistance. Help with the Cost of Living crisis. | NELFT NHS Foundation Trust
Keep well this winter | Age UK
Go Green
Advice on how you can reduce your own energy costs to go green such as retrofitting house to improve their energy efficiency and also enjoy the District's green spaces.
Rochford information
Crouch Walks - South of the River
Reuse and recycling in the District
Other useful information
A helpful guide to draught-proofing - Energy Saving Trust
How to save money on my energy bills - Energy Saving Trust
Support with work
Advice and support to help you work such as cost of living payments and childcare vouchers.
Working Families | Cost of Living Support for Families - Working Families
Support with running a business
The new Energy Bill Relief Scheme is cutting energy prices for businesses, charities and public-sector organisations such as schools and hospitals. If you're on a default or variable tariff your prices will also be automatically cut, but you may be able to save more by moving to a new fixed price contract. Please beware of scams. You DO NOT need to apply for the scheme For further information please visit the .gov.uk website.
Reduce your business costs and save money
Commissioned by Rochford District Council (using the UK Shared Prosperity Fund), Colbea and Auditel are offering any business with a premises in the Rochford District, a FREE commercial cost review of all your overheads. This will identify current usage and spend, and highlight potential opportunities for improved service, reduced admin and lower cost, through the ‘Rochford Business Cost Reduction Programme’.
If you would like further information or have any questions, please contact Colbea on 01206 548833 or email enquiries@colbea.co.uk
To furtherreduce your business running costs, you can also develop a Low Carbon Reduction Plan for FREE, which will help lower your energy bills too! Rochford District Council has funded Colbea to assist you with this by working with sustainability experts. Please find out more on our Business Events page
For FREE financial advice, including debt advice and to find out all about the different finance options available to your business, please visit Let’s Do Business Group
You can also access the Cost of Living Hub on the Business Debtline website
Ask the Leader Webinar
On 1st December 2022, The former leader of Rochford District Council, Cllr Simon Wootton, held an online webinar where he led a panel answering questions directly from residents and local businesses about the Cost of Living Crisis.
Cllr Wootton was joined by Kathy Kentish, Chief Executive, Citizen's Advice South Essex, Ann Scott, Development Manager (Essex) of the Federation of Small Businesses, Tracey Lilley, Director of Communities and Health Brentwood & Rochford, Cllr Arthur Williams, portfolio holder for Communities and Health and Danielle Belton, portfolio holder for Climate and Economy.