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

Torridge District Council has launched the seventh round of Household Support Funding with effect from 7 July 2025. Nationally £742m has been made available by Central Government to cover the period April 2025 to March 2026.

Devon County Council has been awarded funding of just under £9m by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for a seventh 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 £3 million will be split amongst the eight district council's for targeted support to those identified in need, with Torridge receiving just over £269,919 to allocate across the district, over nine months. The previous six schemes have already released payments totalling £1,248k 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 Simon Newton, Lead Member for Legal and Democratic Support, Torridge District Council, said:

"This will be very welcome news to a lot of households in Torridge who are struggling with the cost of living.  Everyone's needs will be different, so help given can be tailored to each individual.  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." 

July 27