Housing is a top priority for Council’s new administration

West Devon Borough Council’s new administration is developing its new priorities and ambitions for the next four years, and tackling the housing crisis is high on the agenda.

The Council’s Hub Committee met recently and agreed that housing is to continue to be a top priority, focusing on what will make the biggest difference to its residents.

It will lobby government to address some of the Borough’s biggest challenges, including the lack of rental properties and the level of local housing allowance. It will also influence new policies that will support the need for lower cost and social rented homes in new developments.

The Council will continue to work with partners, housing associations and community land trusts to provide affordable, safe, and good quality homes. Focus will be on improving energy efficiency, holding landlords to account, and supporting the Borough’s most vulnerable residents.

These plans will now be refined so there is a clear direction on how it will deliver its housing ambitions.

West Devon Borough Council’s Cllr Mark Renders, Lead Member for Housing said: “Whilst we have made a positive difference in our housing sector, there is still so much more we can do.

“The cost of energy and everyday living continues to put a strain on lots of residents. This is why addressing some of our housing issues, particularly the energy efficiency of homes is vital, so that we help those who find themselves in fuel poverty.

“It’s important that we continue to be the voice for our residents, whether that’s a tenant having issues with repairs, a young family looking for an affordable home or making sure our more vulnerable residents are looked after.

“The actions we will put in place over the next few months aim to address the challenges our residents face, enabling us to be a force for good when it comes to addressing housing needs here in West Devon.”

The Council also agreed to help residents who are struggling with the cost of living crisis. The Council’s Hub Committee agreed to take fast action to get £150 support payments into the pockets of residents as quickly as possible.

The support is aimed to help with essential living basics, such as food, energy, water, and other necessary bills that people might be struggling to pay.

Using funding from the Department for Work and Pensions, the Council are spending the first funding pot of £111,966 to help residents until the end of summer. A further £136,848 will follow to provide support through the winter period.

Using the balance from Council Tax Support fund to the tune of £30,123, the Council will also top-up the Exceptional Hardship Fund which helps residents on a low income with paying their Council Tax.

The Council is keen to help those who may be in difficulties, who have not had any previous support from government funding. Those residents benefiting from this round of founding will be those:

in single income households in receipt of Council Tax Reduction
who have caring responsibilities who receive Council Tax Reduction and Carers Allowance
who receive War Disablement Pension (on 1st August 2023)
Further payments of up to £250 will follow in December 2023, although households will only receive one payment even if they fall into more than one category.

144 pensioners have been contacted by letter by the Council to ensure everyone is encouraged to claim what they are entitled to. If you know of a pensioner who has not yet claimed, please direct them to go to www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim

West Devon Borough Council’s Executive Member for Health & Wellbeing, Cllr Tony Leech, said: “With this funding round, we want to look towards those who may not have received any help but need our support; those surviving on a lone wage, trying to make ends meet.

“Carers who do so much to support their families and in turn our communities, are next in line for our help. Finally, those veterans who are in receipt of a pension for their services to our country. Veterans who may have been injured or suffered from illness because of their armed forces service, deserve our lasting support and thanks.

“As always, there are so many people we wish we could help if we had the finances, and we do what we can. Hopefully, this money will help our residents make life just that little bit easier.”

If you are not eligible for this £150 payment, you may be able to claim support through a Council Tax discount.

If you are on a low income or on certain benefits, you may also be able to claim help through the Council Tax Reduction scheme.

You can find out more about what is on offer at: www.westdevon.gov.uk/counciltax

Information about the Council’s Support Directory can be found here:

www.westdevon.gov.uk/support-directory

If you do not have access to online services, you can also call the Council's Customer Service Team for help when applying on 01822 813600.