As the winter cold starts to bite, West Devon Borough Council invites households experiencing financial hardship to get help with paying essential bills. The council will be handling applications for the Government’s new Household Support Fund from today, 15 November 2021, and throughout the winter. There’s also a reminder of other support available to residents who are struggling to make ends meet over the coming months.

The new Household Support Fund is designed to provide rapid short-term financial support for people who don’t have enough money to buy essentials like food or pay for heating. Anyone over 16 years old in West Devon could be eligible, but you will need to confirm that your need is genuine. These grants aim to help people to meet daily needs such as food, clothing and utility bills. Payments will be made directly into your bank account. Residents without a bank account should contact us.

As well as being the place to apply for Household Support Fund money, there are other ways the Council can help local people in crisis situations. This includes help with making adaptations to your home to help you to live their independently, support for people threatened with homelessness or struggling to pay their rent and help to reduce energy costs. The Council also works closely with a number of other agencies that provide more specific support and can help signpost residents to access all the help available.

Cllr Tony Leech, West Devon Borough Council Lead Member for Leisure, Health and Wellbeing said: “The winter months are hard and the sad fact is that, even in 2021, many people struggle day-to-day to pay their essential bills. As the temperatures plunge, fuel costs rise and many people may struggle with cash flow. The Household Support Fund is a national scheme that we’re delivering here in West Devon to give money to our residents who are most in need. As well as money to get you out of a short-term financial crisis, we also can help you to access other support. For example, we can help you to access help to improve your homes energy efficiency to reduce bills. To apply for Household Support Fund help or to find other support, please go to our website or call 01822 813600.”

Devon County Council led the bid for a share of the government funding, securing a little over £5 million for the county.

Councillor Roger Croad, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, said:

“It is clear that the coronavirus pandemic is continuing to put a huge financial strain on some people and the effects are likely to be felt for some time still to come.

“We are committed to supporting people in Devon experiencing hardship and this funding and have worked with our colleagues in the district councils to ensure that this money gets to the people who need it most as quickly as possible, so if you need help I encourage you to get in touch.”

West Devon Borough Council’s support for local communities extends beyond helping individuals in crisis situations. It has been working closely with the voluntary sector as well as Devon County Council and the NHS to provide grants and support to reduce health inequalities and rural poverty. This includes working with Tavistock Youth Café to offer mental health support for young people.

To apply to the Household Support fund, please go to westdevon.gov.uk/household-support

For more support and useful contacts for help, please go to www.westdevon.gov.uk/Benefits