Jenny
In a bid to provide relief to those in need, West Devon will distribute £196,000 in government funding to assist its most vulnerable residents.
The funding allocation is part of the ongoing effort to tackle the cost-of-living crisis and provide essential support to households facing economic hardships.
Support for Care Leavers
This year, care leavers in West Devon will receive a significant boost. Each of the borough’s 13 care leavers will be granted £1,000 in total, split into two payments of £500 each—one in July and the other in December.
These payments are made possible by the Household Support Fund, a program initially introduced by the previous Conservative government to offer financial help to the most vulnerable members of the community.
Fund Allocation and Distribution
The Household Support Fund will be carefully distributed, with the West Devon Borough Council determining how best to allocate these limited resources.
The £196,000 pool will be used for essential assistance, with a portion going towards care leavers, and the rest to support families, residents with caring responsibilities, and those facing other economic challenges.
In addition to the care leavers, residents who have three or more children or are receiving council tax reductions will benefit from two payments of £150 each. This will be distributed across July and December as well.
Moreover, Homemaker Southwest, an organization that partners with the council’s housing team, will receive £5,000 to hire a dedicated caseworker for one day a week.
This caseworker will focus on tackling welfare benefit and debt issues and will assist residents in budgeting, maximizing their income, and helping them access affordable credit.
Community Support for Vulnerable Residents
Several local organizations will receive funds to enhance their outreach and support efforts. The Tamar Energy Community, which aids residents struggling with energy bills, energy debt, and home heating issues, will receive £15,000. Meanwhile, the armed forces charity SSAFA will receive £10,000 to provide aid to veterans in financial hardship.
The remaining funds, amounting to £57,000, will be available through an application process for residents who are facing severe challenges, such as food insecurity or the need to replace broken household appliances like white goods.
Aiding Rural Communities
Cllr Jane Elliott, the council’s lead member for community wellbeing, highlighted that care leavers often lack the familial support systems many others have. As a result, the council is providing more than just the minimum support to help these individuals thrive.
By collaborating with community organizations, the council ensures personalized care reaches those most in need.
However, some members of the council, like Cllr Chris Edmunds and Cllr Chris West, raised concerns about the allocation of resources. Cllr Edmunds acknowledged the incredible work of carers and emphasized the need for more substantial support.
Meanwhile, Cllr West voiced concerns about the imbalance in funding distribution, arguing that rural areas, such as parts of West Devon, often face deprivation despite being perceived as affluent.
He also pointed out that the local economy is heavily reliant on tourism and low-paid jobs, and that changes in farming policies are further exacerbating the financial struggles of rural communities.
The West Devon Borough Council is making a meaningful effort to assist its most vulnerable residents through the Household Support Fund.
By prioritizing care leavers, families with children, and those facing severe financial difficulties, the council is ensuring that these vital funds provide support where it’s needed most.
Collaboration with local organizations and community groups further strengthens the impact of these efforts, helping to improve the wellbeing of all residents.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the £1,000 support for care leavers in West Devon?
Each of the 13 care leavers in the borough will receive £1,000 in total, split into two payments of £500, one in July and another in December.
How can residents apply for the remaining £57,000 in funding?
The remaining funds will be accessible through an application process where eligible residents can request assistance for specific needs, such as food or household expenses like a broken white good.
What kind of support does the caseworker from Homemaker Southwest provide?
The caseworker will focus on assisting residents with welfare benefits, debt management, budgeting, and will help maximize income, provide access to affordable credit, and guide residents in completing grant applications.