Households across Devon are being reminded that help is available through the Crisis and Resilience Fund as energy bills are set to rise again this autumn.
Energy regulator Ofgem has announced that the energy price cap will increase by four per cent from October. For a typical household on a standard variable tariff, this could add around £60 a year to energy bills, at a time when many families are already feeling the pressure of higher living costs.
We are encouraging anyone facing financial hardship to find out whether they could receive support through the Government-funded Crisis and Resilience Fund (CaRF).
The fund is available to low-income households across Devon who experience a sudden financial shock, such as an unexpected bill, a drop in income, or difficulty paying for essentials including food, energy, water, housing costs or heating oil. It can also provide wider support and advice to help people improve their financial resilience and avoid future crises.
The scheme replaced the Household Support Fund earlier this year and is delivered through Devon’s district councils and Citizens Advice Devon. Support is aimed at people facing genuine financial difficulty and payments do not affect benefit entitlement.
Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, our 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.
“We know that a sudden increase in household costs, an unexpected bill or a change in circumstances can quickly push people into financial difficulty.
“The Crisis and Resilience Fund is there to help people through those moments. It can provide practical support with essential costs, including energy bills, while also helping people access advice and services that can improve their long-term financial wellbeing.
“I would encourage anyone who is struggling, or who knows someone who may be finding things difficult, to find out what support is available. Too many people assume they won’t qualify or that help isn’t there. The fund exists to support people when they need it most.
“This 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.”
People do not have to be receiving benefits to qualify for support. Eligibility depends on individual circumstances and whether a household is experiencing a sudden financial difficulty.
Anyone who thinks they may be eligible can find out more by contacting their local district or city council or visiting the Crisis and Resilience Fund information pages. The scheme also works alongside Citizens Advice Devon, which can provide emergency support and tailored advice to help households avoid future financial hardship.
The Crisis and Resilience Fund provides targeted support to low-income households facing a sudden financial shock. Examples include a loss of income, an unexpected essential cost, difficulty paying for heating oil, or other one-off emergencies that place a household under financial pressure.