£66M Boost for Struggling Households in the South West – Find Out What Help Is Available

Government Extends Support to Help Struggling Families

Households across the South West facing financial difficulties will receive a significant boost as the Government extends the Household Support Fund for another year, providing over £66.2 million in aid. The funding, part of a wider £742 million national package, is aimed at helping people with essential costs such as food, energy, and water bills.

More Than a Million People Could Benefit

The extension of the Household Support Fund could reach up to 1.1 million people across the region. Councils will distribute the money, offering targeted support such as:

• Supermarket vouchers
• Clothing and hygiene products
• Help with utility bills
• Insulation to reduce energy costs
• Replacing essential appliances

Funding will be available from 1st April, and residents are encouraged to check their local council’s website to see what support they may be eligible for.

Minister for Employment Alison McGovern said:

“It is unacceptable that millions of people across this country are still struggling to feed their families and keep the lights on.

“This government will remove the scar of poverty from our society by putting an end to short-term solutions and giving everyone the tools they need to build long-term stability through our Plan for Change.

“That’s why we are extending the Household Support Fund for another year, while asking councils to give vital help earlier, so we can tackle challenges before they become crises and prevent people from falling into poverty.”

A Shift to Long-Term Solutions

Unlike previous years, the focus will move beyond short-term crisis help. The funding will now be used to prevent financial struggles, rather than just reacting to them. This includes measures like better insulation to reduce heating bills and replacing old appliances to cut household costs in the long run.

Leader of North Devon Council David Clayton welcomed the extension, saying:

“This extension of the Household Support Fund is vital for supporting those in our community who need it most. It will allow us to provide immediate help with essentials like food and energy bills while also investing in longer-term solutions to reduce financial pressures.

“We know how challenging times are for many households, and this funding will enable us to continue working with local partners to ensure support reaches those who need it most.”

Additional Measures to Help Struggling Families

Beyond the Household Support Fund, the Government has announced other financial relief measures coming into effect on 1st April:

• Fair Repayment Rate – Over one million households on Universal Credit will be £420 better off per year on average.
• National Minimum Wage Increase – Workers over 21 will see their pay rise from £11.44 to £12.21 per hour.
• Get Britain Working Reforms – A £240 million investment aims to reduce unemployment and boost skills training across the country.

The Household Support Fund is managed by the Department for Work and Pensions and distributed through Local Authorities. Additional funding will also be provided to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with their respective governments deciding how to allocate it.

For more information on what support is available, residents should check their local council’s website.