With the energy price cap rising by four percent from October – adding around £60 a year to a typical household bill on a standard variable tariff – Devon County Council is reminding residents that help is available through the Government-funded Crisis and Resilience Fund.
The fund supports low-income households across Devon who are hit by a sudden financial shock, such as an unexpected bill, a drop in income, or difficulty affording essentials. It can help with:
- food
- energy and water bills
- housing costs
- heating oil
Alongside one-off help, the scheme also offers wider support and advice on building longer-term financial resilience. It replaced the Household Support Fund earlier this year and is delivered locally through Devon’s district councils and Citizens Advice Devon.
You don’t need to be on benefits to apply
There is no requirement to be receiving benefits to qualify. Eligibility is based on your individual circumstances and whether you are facing sudden financial difficulty, and receiving support from the fund does not affect your benefit entitlement.
Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs and Broadband, said: “Many families will be worried to hear that energy bills are going up again just as we head towards winter. The Crisis and Resilience Fund is there to help people through those moments.”
She added that the fund is “particularly important in Devon’s rural communities, where households often face higher fuel and transport costs and can be more vulnerable to rising prices” – a point that will be familiar to many households in and around Hatherleigh.
How to get help
- Apply through Torridge District Council, our district council for Hatherleigh – you can also apply by phone through Encompass South West on 01271 371499
- Contact Citizens Advice Devon for free, confidential advice
- Read Devon County Council’s guide to the fund, or call Devon County Council on 0345 155 1015
If you know a neighbour who may be struggling this winter, please do pass this on – the fund can only help people who know it exists.
More information: Devon County Council – Energy bill rise highlights importance of support available through Devon’s Crisis and Resilience Fund.
