Citizens Advice services across Devon will provide emergency funds and support to break the cycle of poverty for around 4,000 households most in need as part of a £1 million initiative.
The local Citizens Advice charities have been funded by Devon County Council to provide the service through the government’s new Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) to support low income families facing a financial crisis.
Citizens Advice South Hams Chief Executive, Janie Moor, said:
“This support is targeted at low income households who have to deal with an unexpected situation which has driven their finances to breaking point, such as the sudden loss of income or an essential cost like a broken fridge or washing machine they can’t afford to repair.
“Under the CRF, we will also work with them to make sure their finances are on a sounder footing in future, whether by helping them claim benefits they are entitled to, helping them budget or assisting them with their debts.”
CAB Devon chair, Edwina Bradshaw, said:
“It’s great news that people will be able to access funds in times of real need and be able to access our advice and support that will improve their situations in the longer term.
“This will build their financial resilience in the future and move households onto a more secure financial footing which will benefit lives and help build stronger communities.”
The CRF replaces the Household Support Fund. The new project extends the type of help available while also helping people improve their prospects.
People who may benefit from the CRF can contact their local Citizens Advice office or may be referred to CA by other organisations. After assessing their eligibility for the project, they may be given a payment to meet their immediate crisis with no effect on any benefits.
They will be allocated a Citizens Advice caseworker who will work with them to improve their longer term outlook, tackling the underlying causes of the crisis with access to regulated debt advice, help with benefits claims and support with household budgeting.
Councillor Cheryl Cottle‑Hunkin, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs and Broadband, said:
“The County Council has grant-funded and worked in partnership with CA Devon for many years. Last year alone, CA Devon secured £26m of income gains for the people of Devon. We are very pleased that this trusted UK organisation, accredited by the Financial Conduct Authority, can continue to work closely with us and our district council partners to deliver the Crisis and Resilience Fund to local people, supporting residents through the ongoing Cost of Living Crisis.
“This new fund builds on that strong partnership approach and represents a positive step forward. By bringing together funding with expert advice and local support, we can ensure residents not only receive timely financial help, but also the guidance they need to manage their finances and build long-term resilience for the future.”
Janie Moor added:
“We are delighted Devon County Council have chosen us to deliver this important project in addition to the annual grant for our core advice services and look forward to helping move more local people out of poverty and into a better, more secure future.”
The government-funded CRF scheme for Devon is providing £8.4 million-a-year in total, which includes other elements such as housing support and help with heating oil costs, administered by the county’s district councils and other organisations.
For more information, visit our webpage.
Citizens Advice will be launching a recruitment campaign to take on more staff to work on the CRF later this year.
The Devon CRF scheme is only open to residents in the Devon County Council area. Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council will run their own CRF schemes.