Please see below for the latest advice and information for residents during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Updates are being issued regularly, so please do check back.
This page was last updated on 5 May 2020
If your income has reduced as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, and you are concerned about your Council Tax, we may be able to help.
Anyone on a low income can apply to our Council Tax Reduction (CTR) scheme.
Council Tax Reduction - Apply Now
If you are already receiving Council Tax Reduction, you can apply to our Emergency Hardship fund.
Emergency Hardship Fund - Apply Now
As part of the Government's funding packages for coronavirus (COVID-19), the Government announced a £500 million hardship fund to support financially vulnerable people and households in their area.
West Devon Borough Council received £355,977 of funding.
As part of the national scheme the Government has advised Local Authorities to award up to £150 further reduction to all those working-age claimants who receive Council Tax Reduction (CTR).
The £150 will automatically be awarded to those working-age claimants who are in receipt of CTR. There is no need to contact us about this.
If you already receive CTR, you should to continue to tell us if you have any change to your income or circumstances.
If you are not working because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you might be able to claim benefits (Universal Credit) if you've lost your job or you're self employed and can't get work.
What you can claim will depend on your situation.
Universal Credit is claimed online with the DWP | You may also be eligible for Council Tax Reduction from the council |
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Universal Credit - Apply Now | Council Tax Reduction - Apply Now |
The Council also has an Exceptional Hardship Fund. If you are already receiving Council Tax Reduction, you can make a claim for EHF.
If you need emergency funds to help with essentials while you are waiting for a benefit claim to be processed, you can apply to our Welfare Support Fund.
If you already receive help towards your housing costs and need further assistance you can make an application to our Discretionary Housing Payment Fund.
West Devon Borough Council, in association with Devon County Council, have launched a Local Support Fund to support those whose financial situation has been affected by the current pandemic and are now out of cash for basic essentials for their household.
The COVID-19 Welfare Support Fund can provide small emergency payments to help with basic essentials including household essentials such as sanitary products or nappies or electricity key and gas card top ups, etc. to help people in financial difficulties.
Welfare Support Fund - Apply Now
A very few number of residents will need to claim Housing Benefit from the Council instead of Universal Credit.
If you fall into one of the following categories, you should claim Housing Benefit.
If you already receive Housing Benefit and need further help, please see Extra Financial Help to make an application for Discretionary Housing Payments.
If you are self employed and struggling during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the Government has announced a support package for you.
You can claim a taxable grant worth 80% of your trading profits up to a maximum of £2,500 for the next three months.
To find out if you are eligible and to apply, please use the button below:
Self Employed Income Scheme - more information
The Citizens Advice website has lots of information and advice.
There are things you can do if you are struggling to pay bills like your rent, mortgage or energy bills because of coronavirus (COVID-19). Speak to the organisation that you owe money to. They might be able to help you by letting you pay smaller amounts or take a payment holiday. It is also worth checking with your bank or building society - they might be able to help you with your debts or let you delay loan or credit card repayments or have a payment holiday.
For the latest updates and changes to Council services, please see our Service Updates page:
