Cash offer as cost-of-living crisis deepens

Hundreds of households in the South Hams will be eligible

Hundreds of households in South Devon will receive cash help in a bid to combat the cost of living crisis.

South Hams Council is ready to spend £375,000 to ease the effects of spiralling costs on some of its most vulnerable households.

When the council’s executive committee meets next Wednesday, it will hear recommendations to pay £150 straight away to single income households receiving Council Tax Reduction, but not getting something called ‘passported benefits, with another £250 to come in December. Also eligible farecarers 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 to support.

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. Local citizens advice services have alerted the council to a number of carers who have had their benefits, such as Personal

Independence Payments, sanctioned or stopped by the Department for Work and Pensions and are experiencing financial hardship as a result.

A report to the committee says: “Getting the funding out to residents quickly and at appropriate intervals is a key measure of success and the council has a proven track record in this area.

“The proposals will help deliver our vision of Better Lives for All through providing a broad range of support including help with energy and other essential living costs. They are also targeted at those most in need due to the cost of living crisis, including those who may be isproportionately impacted by rising living costs such as those residents with caring responsibilities and single income households with a low income.”