Borough Council doing all it can to help residents during cost of living crisis

Borough Council doing all it can to help residents during cost of living crisis

Issued: 14 November 2024

With the winter months approaching, West Devon Borough Council is doing all it can to help people with the cost of living, including the introduction of new payments from the Household Support Fund for those most in need.

Supporting West Devon residents through the ongoing cost of living crisis is a priority for the Council, especially during the winter months, when people are heating their homes, and costs can really begin to bite.

Cllr Jane Elliott, Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “We want to do whatever we can to support those in our community who are finding it difficult to cope with the cost of living.

“Our new support payments are targeted to help those most in need, including pensioners who might be worst affected by the cut to winter fuel payments and some households living in ‘system built’ or non-traditional houses who may be experiencing fuel poverty.

“If you think that you could benefit from the Household Support Fund, or need support of any kind this winter, please contact us.”

The Council is supporting four types of households in the borough with new £200 support payments this winter. These types of households are:

• Single person households receiving Council Tax Reductions and not a state benefit
• Single pensioners with income of up to £20 per week above the threshold for Pension Credit
• Pensioner couples with income of up to £30 per week above the threshold for Pension Credit
• Certain households in ‘system built’ houses who may be experiencing fuel poverty

The Council agreed to making these payments at its Hub meeting on 12 November.

The authority already distributes the Household Support Fund locally, which supports people who would otherwise struggle to buy food, pay essential utility bills or meet other essential living costs.

West Devon is also maintaining its commitment to support Devon County Council care leavers by providing a support payment of £500 to care experienced young people who either live in the Borough already or move to an address in the borough before 2 March next year.

The Council also works closely with Citizens’ Advice, who are dealing with people on the frontline, and helping them in any way they can.

South Hams and West Devon Councils have also appointed a new Cost of Living and Financial Support Officer to provide dedicated advice, signposting and support.

If you need help with the cost of living, please contact the Council on support.vulnerability@swdevon.gov.uk

You can also visit the Council’s online support directory, which will signpost you to services and organisations that could help, on www.westdevon.gov.uk/support-directory

ENDS

14th November 2024