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.

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 get 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.”

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 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. For more support and useful contacts for help, please click here.