Devon County Council is highlighting its newly launched Crisis and Resilience Fund, a government-backed scheme designed to assist low-income households across the county that are facing sudden financial challenges. The fund, which began on 1 April 2026, provides targeted support for those dealing with unexpected costs or a sudden loss of income.
This initiative replaces the previous Household Support Fund that concluded in March 2026. Unlike the earlier programme, the new scheme moves away from automatic payments, instead offering assistance based on specific needs. The national government is providing approximately £8.4 million annually for three years to support this work across Devon. It is important to note that this funding applies to the wider county and excludes Plymouth and Torbay, as both areas operate their own separate schemes.
The council has identified four priority areas for the support, which include crisis payments for immediate financial difficulty and housing support provided by district councils. The fund also covers financial resilience services, such as advice on money management, and provides community funding to help strengthen local advice networks. Additionally, the county has received over £1.3 million in extra government funding specifically for low-income households that rely on heating oil and are struggling with rising costs due to global conflict.
To help distribute this support, the council is working with the Devon Community Foundation. The charity, which has already provided over £1.5 million to community groups since 2022, will manage a new grant scheme. This programme is intended to back local projects, including those focused on food and fuel schemes, energy advice, job clubs, and budgeting support.
Residents seeking more information or guidance on how to access these services are encouraged to contact Citizens Advice Devon, which serves as a primary referral pathway for those in need.
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