The Government has announced that a new Household Support Fund (HSF) grant will be made available to county councils and unitary authorities in England to support those most in need this winter.
This new grant, totalling £500m nationally, will be available until 31 March 2022, and Devon’s allocation of it will be a little over £5 million.
It’s to be used to support households in most need with food, energy and water bills, and other associated essential costs.
And at least half of the total funding must be spent on households whose families have children.
Devon County Council is currently working with the eight District Councils in Devon, and other partners, to make the funding available.
Councillor Roger Croad, the County Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for communities, said:
“The coronavirus pandemic continues to impact on family budgets, and many people are finding it especially difficult now as we move into colder winter months. This funding will help those families who are finding it particularly difficult this winter with the cost of food, energy, water and other related essential items.
“We are currently working with our Team Devon colleagues and other partners to make our allocation of the funding available to households most in need as quickly as possible.”
Details for how households can access the funding will be available as soon as it is confirmed.