Households on low-incomes can get help with food and energy costs this winter from the UK Government’s new ‘Household Support Fund’. The Government has distributed funding to County Councils across England to help those most in need.

Mid Devon District Council has received a share of this funding to set up a local Household Support Fund to help residents struggling with the cost of household essentials this winter. We know that sudden unexpected costs can create real challenges for residents on low incomes. The Household Support Fund is available to provide rapid short-term financial support to meet immediate needs such as food, energy and water costs and other essentials. To access support, you must be a Mid Devon resident over the age of 16 years old and be without sufficient resources to meet your immediate short-term needs. The full guidelines and application form can be found on our website, Residents' Financial Support.

The scheme will run until Thursday 31 March 2022.

Devon County Council will also be running a range of other schemes to support families on low-income this winter, such as a holiday food voucher scheme to cover the Christmas holidays and a holiday activity and food programme. More information about these and others schemes, can be found on Devon County Council’s website.

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.”