Applications for cost of living support fund open

A council has launched its latest round of a government support scheme to help residents struggling with the cost of living crisis.

Nationally £421m has been made available by central government to help people with the cost of essentials such as food, water and energy bills until March 2025.

Residents of the area covered by Torridge District Council (TDC) in Devon will be able to apply for a share of about £210,000 from the Household Support Fund, to be allocated over the next six months.

Council leader Ken James said the scheme is good news for households that are struggling to make ends meet.

This is the sixth time TDC has run the scheme, having already released payments totalling £1.38m.

The council said previous schemes have allowed people to purchase clothing, blankets, and fund boiler servicing or repairs.

Applications can also be made to meet the cost of purchasing or repairing white goods such as fridges, freezers and ovens.

Mr James said: "What assistance people will need will very much depend on their individual circumstances.

"As well as food, utility bills or other major costs, some of our residents may also need help with covering the cost of essential clothing, repairs to their vehicles or to pay for a monthly bus pass.

"This will be very welcome news to a lot of households in Torridge who are struggling with the cost of living."

Access to the fund is via a form, with initial applications being processed by the council’s partner and local charity organisation, Encompass.

Follow BBC Devon on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].