Devon confirms plans for new crisis support fund

A new support scheme aimed at helping people facing sudden financial hardship in Devon has been outlined in a report setting out how a government funding programme will be delivered across the county.

Devon County Council has published details of its proposed approach to implementing the Government’s new Crisis and Resilience Fund (CaRF), which will replace the existing Household Support Fund when it ends in March 2026.

The new scheme is designed to provide more targeted assistance to people experiencing sudden financial shocks while also helping households build longer-term financial resilience.

Under the programme, Devon will receive £8.4 million per year for three years, covering the period from 2026/27 to 2028/29.

The funding will be used to support residents on low incomes who experience unexpected financial difficulties, such as a sudden loss of income or an essential cost they cannot afford.

The council says the support will focus on four key areas:

• Crisis payments to help people in immediate financial difficulty

• Housing support delivered by district councils, replacing existing discretionary housing payments

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

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

The approach builds on the county council’s experience of delivering cost-of-living support in recent years in partnership with district councils and voluntary and community organisations.

A partnership board will be established to oversee the delivery of the programme and review how it operates over time.

The council said the new scheme would not simply replicate the Household Support Fund.

Instead of broad or automatic payments, the emphasis will be on targeted, needs-based support for people facing genuine financial crises.

Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs and Broadband at Devon County Council, said the authority welcomed the new fund but warned that demand for support in Devon was rising.

She said: “While we welcome the new Crisis and Resilience Fund, Devon is facing rising need at the same time as our funding is being reduced.

“Large rural counties like ours have real, often hidden deprivation, with higher transport and fuel costs and households already under pressure.

“Alongside financial crisis support and advice, we urgently need substantial and ongoing preventative investment for people across a range of issues, preventing crisis arising.

“We will continue to lobby government to provide the level of investment needed so that no household in Devon is left behind.”