District council says it is "doing all it can to help residents" during cost of living crisis

With the winter months upon us, South Hams District Council says it is "doing all it can to help people with the cost of living, including the introduction of new payments from the Household Support Fund for those most in need".

Supporting South Hams residents through the ongoing cost of living crisis is a priority for the council, especially during the winter months, when people are heating their homes, and costs can really begin to bite.

Cllr Nicky Hopwood, Executive Member for Cost of Living, said: "We know how hard it is for people during the cost-of-living crisis, and we want to help those who are finding things difficult.

"Our new support payments are targeted to help those most in need, including pensioners who might be worst affected by the cut to winter fuel payments and some households living in ‘system built’ or non-traditional houses who may be experiencing fuel poverty.

"If you think that you could benefit from the Household Support Fund, or need support of any kind this winter, please contact us."

The council is supporting four types of households in the district with new £300 support payments this winter. These types of households are:

• Single person households receiving Council Tax Reduction and not receiving a state benefit
• Pensioners with income of up to £18 per week above the threshold for Pension Credit
• Certain households in ‘system built’ houses who may be experiencing fuel poverty
• The authority already distributes the Household Support Fund locally, which supports people who would otherwise struggle to buy food, pay essential utility bills or meet other essential living costs.

South Hams is also maintaining its commitment to support Devon County Council care leavers by providing a support payment of £300 to care experienced young people who either live in District already or move to an address in the District before 2 March next year.

The council also works closely with Citizens Advice, who are dealing with people on the frontline, and helping them in any way they can. 

If you need help with the cost of living, please contact the council on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

You can also visit the council’s online support directory, which will signpost you to services and organisations that could help, on www.southhams.gov.uk/support-directory