Funded through the Department of Work and Pensions, the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) is a national programme providing funding to local authorities in England to help residents who are experiencing financial crisis, while also strengthening long-term financial resilience across communities.

The fund runs until 31 March 2029 and enables councils to offer both emergency support and preventative services.

The CRF has been introduced to ensure:

• Immediate crisis support is available for people who have suffered a financial shock.
• Long-term financial resilience is strengthened, helping households increase income, reduce expenses, and manage financial shocks.
• Fair, accessible support is offered through flexible and needs-based approaches.

This reflects a national shift toward cash‑first assistance, improved accessibility, and partnerships with local organisations to better support residents in hardship.

Residents will be able to receive support through several schemes under the CRF. North Devon Council will deliver support in the following key areas:

• Crisis Payments
• Housing Payments
• Resilience Services
• Oil/LPG Heating payments

Crisis and Resilience Fund homepage link