New fund offers £200 support for North Devon’s vulnerable residents

Further support for households in North Devon struggling with cost of living increases is now available.

North Devon Council is administrating the latest round of the Household Support Fund (HSF). The fund opened on Monday, 28 October, with a pot of £349,975 available for vulnerable households in North Devon until the end of March 2025.

Pensionable age households who receive council tax reduction but not pension credit will be awarded a £200 voucher which can be redeemed at a Post Office.

Those eligible will receive a letter from the council explaining the scheme, followed by a further letter including the voucher. For those unable to get to a Post Office, vouchers can be redeemed by a family member or friend as long as ID is presented.

The remainder of the fund will be available via an application scheme which allows more than 25 organisations to apply on behalf of their clients.

Lead member for commercialisation and resources at North Devon Council, Councillor Helen Walker, said: "We are so pleased to be able to continue offering vital financial assistance to vulnerable households in our community with this latest round of the Household Support Fund. The funding will provide much-needed support to those struggling with the rising cost of living.

"Pensionable age households who are eligible for support from the fund do not need to apply to us, as we will be writing to them with guidance on how to redeem their voucher. Support also continues to be available for vulnerable residents through our third party referral scheme and we would urge anyone needing support to check our website for more information about which organisations can apply on their behalf."

The HSF is funded by UK Government. The council has awarded more than £1.6million to the most vulnerable households in North Devon through the HSF since its launch in October 2021.

More information about the Household Support Fund is available on the council's website at: northdevon.gov.uk/benefits-and-grants/household-support-fund