Devon County Council reminds households of Crisis and Resilience Fund support as energy price cap rises
Devon County Council is reminding households facing financial difficulty that support is available through its Crisis and Resilience Fund, which can offer practical help with essential costs and access to advice and services to improve long-term financial wellbeing.
Energy regulator Ofgem has confirmed the energy price cap will rise by 4% from October, adding around £60 a year to bills for a typical household on a standard variable tariff.
With the increase landing just as colder weather sets in, Devon County Council is reminding households facing financial difficulty that support is available through its Crisis and Resilience Fund (CaRF).
What the fund offers
The fund is aimed at low-income households across Devon who experience a sudden financial shock, such as an unexpected bill, a drop in income, or difficulty covering essentials including food, energy, water, housing costs or heating oil. It can also offer wider advice to help people build longer-term financial resilience.
The scheme replaced the Household Support Fund earlier this year and is delivered through Devon's district councils and Citizens Advice Devon. The council says support is aimed at people in genuine financial difficulty, and that payments do not affect benefit entitlement.
Crucially, households do not need to already be receiving benefits to qualify. Eligibility instead depends on individual circumstances and whether someone is experiencing a sudden financial difficulty.
Council response
Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Devon County Council's Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs and Broadband, said the timing of the rise would worry many families heading into winter.
"Many families will be worried to hear that energy bills are going up again just as we head towards winter," she said. "We know that a sudden increase in household costs, an unexpected bill or a change in circumstances can quickly push people into financial difficulty.
"The Crisis and Resilience Fund is there to help people through those moments. It can provide practical support with essential costs, including energy bills, while also helping people access advice and services that can improve their long-term financial wellbeing."
She encouraged anyone struggling, or who knows someone who might be, to check what support is available. "Too many people assume they won't qualify or that help isn't there. The fund exists to support people when they need it most," she said.
Cottle-Hunkin also flagged particular concern for rural communities. "This is particularly important in Devon's rural communities, where households often face higher fuel and transport costs and can be more vulnerable to rising prices," she said.
How to get support
Anyone who thinks they may be eligible can find out more by contacting their local district or city council, or by visiting the Crisis and Resilience Fund information pages. The scheme also works alongside Citizens Advice Devon, which can offer emergency support and tailored advice to help households avoid future financial hardship.