Torridge District Council launches sixth round of local Household Support Fund to help residents struggling with the cost of living crisis

Torridge District Council has launched the sixth round of Household Support Funding with effect from October 2024. Nationally £421m has been made available by Central Government to cover the period October 2024 to March 2025.

Devon County Council has been awarded funding of over £5m by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for a sixth Household Support Fund, part of which it will utilise to support voluntary and community partners such as Citizens Advice Devon and the Devon Community Foundation and provide Free School Meal holiday vouchers.

Just over £2M will be split amongst the eight district councils for targeted support to those identified in need, with Torridge receiving just over £210,000 to allocate across the district, over six months. The previous five schemes have already released payments totalling £1,038k to meet basic household costs of struggling Torridge residents.

In line with previous versions of the scheme the purpose of the grant is to provide support to households experiencing hardship due to the ongoing cost of living crisis.  The grants will be available to help people in need to buy food, pay essential utility bills or meet other essential living or housing costs. Previous assistance has already allowed people to purchase clothing, blankets, and fund boiler servicing or repairs during the winter months. Applications can also be made to meet the cost of purchasing or repairing white goods such as fridges, freezers and ovens, which might otherwise currently be beyond the means of struggling households.

Access to the fund will once again be via a form, with initial applications being processed by the council's partner and local charity organisation, Encompass. The application form link will be available on Torridge District Council's website by clicking on the "Cost of living Help" icon on the main landing page and then the "Household Support Fund" link. Alternatively, people can contact Encompass through their website or by telephone if they do not have access to the internet on 01271 371499.

Councillor Ken James, Leader of Torridge District Council said:

"We're pleased that the government has been able to provide another Household Support Fund over the Winter period.  This will be very welcome news to a lot of households in Torridge who are struggling with the cost of living.

What assistance people will need will very much depend on their individual circumstances.  As well as food, utility bills or other major costs some of our residents may also need help with covering the cost of essential clothing, repairs to their vehicles or to pay for a monthly bus pass - to name just a few.  As well as applying for these funds, there is a wealth of advice and information available on our website under the 'Cost of Living Help' section, which is designed to signpost people in the right direction to ensure that as many people can access the help and support they need this Winter." 

Reminder re Pension Credits

Torridge District Council is also reminding people of State Pension age (66+) who are not receiving certain benefits to check their eligibility and apply for Pension Credit.

Thanks to the Pension Credit backdating rules, it is possible to apply for Pension Credit and have the claim backdated by up to 3 months - so long as there is entitlement during that time. This means that the latest date to apply and still qualify for Winter Fuel Payment is 21st December 2024.

Eligible pensioners could qualify for Winter Fuel Payment and other support such as help with housing costs and Council Tax, and a free TV licence for those aged 75 and over.  In addition to Winter Fuel Payment, Pension Credit also provides extra support for heating costs such as The Warm Home Discount Scheme and Cold Weather Payments. 

It is estimated that up to 880,000 households are missing out on Pension Credit, and it is worth, on average, £3,900 per year, providing additional benefits such as help with Council Tax and Housing Benefit and a free TV licence for those over 75. Raising awareness of Pension Credit could make a difference to an older person's life: www.gov.uk/pension-credit.