Cash for retired 'blue light' workers?

Calls to expand scheme for vulnerable

Retired ‘blue light’ emergency workers in the South Hams could receive cash to combat the cost of living crisis.

The council will spend £375,000 to ease the effects of spiralling costs on some of its most vulnerable households, and are trying to include former blue light workers in the next round of payments.

The council’s executive committee has voted unanimously to pay £150 straight away to single income households receiving Council Tax Reduction, but who don't get certain other benefits. Another £250 will come in December. Also eligible are carers receiving Council Tax Reduction and Carers Allowance and/or a council tax carers disregard.

People on War Disablement Pensions will also be eligible for the two payments, and the council plans to work with armed forces charities to identify other veterans who need help.

The government has given Devon County Council more than £10 million for this round of Household Support Fund grants, and South Hams’ share is £375,000.

Cllr John Birch (Lib Dem, Totnes) said: “The council recognises how important it is to support all our residents through the cost of living crisis.”

And Cllr Nicky Hopwood (Con, Woolwell) asked: “Can we include blue light workers who are retired? The blue light sector of our community is really struggling with low pay and unfavourable working conditions.

“I would like to have seen this expanded to them as well.”

Cllr Birch said helping emergency workers would be considered in the next stage of the process.