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

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

Devon County Council has been awarded funding of over £5m by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for a fifth Household Support Fund, part of which it will utilise for its own support projects such as holiday school meal provision and a prepayment meter energy relief scheme operated through Citizens Advice.

Just over £2M will be split amongst the district councils for targeted support to those identified in need, with Torridge receiving £192k to allocate across the district, over six months. The previous four schemes have already released payments totalling £846k 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.

Steve Hearse - Chief Executive of Torridge District Council said:

"What people will need assistance with will very much depend on their circumstances.  As well as food, utility bills or other major costs people 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 we would encourage them to check out all the other advice and links we have signposted on our website under the "Cost of Living Help" section." 

25 April 2024