Devon County Council sets out plans for new Crisis and Resilience Fund

Devon County Council has published a report outlining how a new Government-funded Crisis and Resilience Fund (CaRF) could be delivered across Devon from April 2026.

The proposed scheme, which will be considered by the council’s Cabinet next week, would replace the current Household Support Fund, which is due to end in 2026.

The new fund is intended to provide more targeted help for people experiencing sudden financial hardship, while also supporting longer-term financial resilience.

If approved, Devon County Council would receive around £8.4 million per year for three years, covering the period from 2026/27 to 2028/29.

Under the proposals, the funding would be used to support people on low incomes who face an unexpected financial shock, such as losing income suddenly or being unable to meet essential costs.

The report suggests support would focus on four main areas:

• Crisis payments for people in immediate financial difficulty

• Housing support, replacing existing discretionary housing payments

• Financial resilience services, including advice and support to help people manage money and avoid future crises

• Community funding to strengthen local advice services and support networks across Devon

The council says the approach builds on its experience of delivering cost-of-living support in recent years, working closely with district councils and voluntary and community organisations.

A partnership board would also be created to oversee the programme, with responsibility for reviewing and refining the approach over time.

The report emphasises that the new fund is not intended to be a direct replacement for the Household Support Fund. Instead of broad or automatic payments, it would prioritise targeted, needs-based support for people facing genuine financial crisis.

Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs and Broadband, said:

“This report sets out how the Council could deliver the new Crisis and Resilience Fund in Devon, working with partners to support people who are facing sudden financial difficulties.

“Any decisions will be for Cabinet to consider, but the intention is to focus help where it is most needed, while also strengthening local advice and support so people are better able to cope in the future.”

Cabinet members are due to discuss the report and decide whether to approve the proposed approach at their meeting on Wednesday 11 March 2026.

If approved, the council aims to have the new arrangements in place by late spring, in line with Government timescales for the launch of the scheme.