Cost of Living Support

Lib Dem Leader of North Devon Council, Councillor David Worden says: "We are aware of the rising cost of living and the impact it may have on our residents in North Devon. We want to help our residents through this difficult time, so it is important those who have any concerns or worries about their finances check to see what support is available to them."

Cllr. Graham Bell said, “We want to offer residents practical support. Here is a list of advice and useful contacts which can offer help through the cost of living.” To find a full list of what the council to do to help visit: www.northdevon.gov.uk/cost-of-living-help-and-advice/

Help with Food

Northern Devon foodbanks: www.northerndevon.foodbank.org.uk/ locations/

Claim free schoolmeals: Google: 'Devon Free School Meals'

Healthy Start: What is Healthy Start? If you’re more than ten weeks pregnant or have a child under four, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk. If you’re eligible, you’ll be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that you can use in some UK shops. Your benefit will be added onto this card every four weeks.

Help with NHS charges: If you have a low income, the NHS Low Income Scheme could help you pay for:

NHS prescription charges - NHS dental treatment charges - The cost of sight tests, glasses and contact lenses - The cost of travelling to receive NHS treatment How much help you get depends on your weekly income and necessary outgoings, plus any savings or investments you have at the time you apply. If the amount you have left is low, you may be able to get help through the NHS Low Income Scheme. Any help you’re entitled to is also available to your partner, if you have one.

Financial support and advice

Citizens Advice - www.citizensadvice.org.uk

National Debtline - www.nationaldebtline.org

Community Money Advice - www.communitymoneyadvice.com

turn2us - www.turn2us.org.uk

Wisermoney - www.wisermoney.org.uk Wisermoney is a partnership between Encompass Southwest and Navigate, two well established charities. Their services provide free, impartial, confidential and effective money and debt management advice, delivered predominately through home visits. You can contact them directly by telephone on (01823) 299 050, or by email to wisermoney@navigatecharity.org.uk

Help for Households

The Cabinet Office has recently launched the ‘Help for Households’ campaign which explains the 41 different government schemes available to help with the cost of living, including new one-off payments as well as existing benefits and schemes. These schemes have now been brought onto one here: https://helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk/

Energy saving guidance and support

Warm home discount scheme - https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme The Warm Home scheme will re-open in November 2022. If you qualify, you will receive £140 off your electricity bill. You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity.

Winter fuel payment - https:// www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment If you were born on or before 25 September 1956 you could get between £250 and £600 to help you pay your heating bills.

Cold weather payment - https://www.gov.uk/cold-weather-payment You may get a cold weather payment if you’re getting certain benefits or support for mortgage interest. You’ll get a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees celsius or below over seven consecutive days, between 1 November and 31 March. Find ways to save energy in your home - https://www.gov.uk/improve-energy-efficiency