Decision
Analysis
outcome: The recommendations were approved by the Cabinet.
summary: The decision at stake is the local delivery of the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CaRF) in Mid Devon, including Crisis Payments, Resilience Services, Housing Payments, and Heating Oil Support.
topline: The Cabinet has decided to approve the recommendations for the local delivery of the Crisis and Resilience Fund in Mid Devon.
reason_contentious: This issue is not particularly contentious as it aligns with the Council's Corporate Plan priorities and aims to support vulnerable residents.
affected_stakeholders: ["vulnerable residents", "Devon County Council", "Mid Devon Council", "partners CHAT and Navigate"]
contentiousness_score: 2
political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.
URL: https://democracy.middevon.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1430
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Outcome: Recommendations Approved
Is Key Decision?: No
Is Callable In?: No
Purpose:
Content: Cabinet had before it and NOTED a report * from the Head of Revenues, Benefits and Leisure and the Revenues and Benefits Operations Manager to provide an overview of the local delivery of the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CaRF), including Crisis Payments, Resilience Services, Housing Payments and Heating Oil Support. The Cabinet Member for Governance, Finance and Risk outlined the contents of the report with particular reference to the following: This report outlined the delivery of the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CaRF), a government-funded scheme introduced from 1 April 2026 to replace the Housing Support Fund and bring together crisis support, housing assistance and financial resilience services into a single framework. Delivery operated through a Devon-wide partnership, with Devon County Council overseeing governance and Mid Devon delivering local support alongside partners CHAT and Navigate. The scheme provided: Ø Immediate Crisis Payments for households in financial hardship- Funding £335,419. Ø Resilience support to reduce repeat crises- Funding £159,453. Ø Housing Payments (previously known as Discretionary Housing Payments)- Funding £77,202. Ø Heating Oil Support scheme for low-income households - Funding £132,630. Ø Total Government funding for Mid Devon in 2026/27 was £704,704 The scheme supported vulnerable residents, aligned with the Council’s Corporate Plan priorities, and would be closely monitored and reported to ensure effective delivery and compliance with DWP requirements, this new approach also has Ministerial oversight. Discussion took place with regards to: A question was raised as to whether the funding scheme could be extended to include portable solar panels, with the suggestion that such technology could help reduce energy costs and provide longer-term benefits for residents. It was explained that there was nothing in the current guidance that specifically prevented portable solar panels from being supported through the scheme. Members commended all officers involved and were proud of this Council in making a difference. Note: *Report previously circulated
Date of Decision: July 7, 2026