THE latest round of support for households in North Devon struggling with the cost of living is set to open on Monday, October 28.

A pot of £349,975 is available for vulnerable households in the district until the end of March.

Pension-age households who receive council tax reduction but not pension credit will be awarded a £200 voucher which can be redeemed at a Post Office.

Those eligible will receive a letter from the council explaining the scheme, followed by a further letter including the voucher. For those unable to get to a Post Office, vouchers can be redeemed by a family member or friend as long as ID is presented.

The remainder of the fund will be available via an application scheme which allows more than 25 organisations to apply on behalf of their clients. 

Councillor Helen Walker (Lib Dem, Bickington) said: “The funding will provide much-needed support to those struggling with the rising cost of living.

"Pensionable age households who are eligible for support from the fund do not need to apply to us, as we will be writing to them with guidance on how to redeem their voucher.

“Support also continues to be available for vulnerable residents through our third-party referral scheme and we would urge anyone needing support to check our website for more information about which organisations can apply on their behalf."

The Household Support Fund is funded by the government. The council has awarded more than £1.6 million to the most vulnerable households in North Devon through the fund since its launch in October 2021.

More information about the Household Support Fund can be found on the council's website.