Many East Devon residents will be feeling apprehensive about the coming winter months amid the increase in energy prices and cost of living crisis. 

Local authorities and organisations are now looking at how they can help communities through these challenging times. 

Axminster Town Council this week ring-fenced a budget of £5,000 for local initiatives to support the community through the cost of living crisis.

The town clerk, mayor and a few other selected councillors will be given delegated authority to 'fast-track' applications, rather than asking organisations to go through the full grant application process.

The first grant of £720 has been awarded to local charity Nourish, which will be providing residents with tea, coffee and hot soup for residents in the Guildhall on Tuesdays, while volunteers are using the kitchen facilities to prepare their weekly meals.

Axminster Chamber of Commerce and Totally Locally are also launching their 'Big Deal for Axminster' initiative in October, fighting back against the various pressures facing the town's businesses, while introducing deals that will help the community cope with the cost of living crisis.

East Devon District Council is also offering help and advice to those in financial difficulty this winter, including how to find support in paying household bills and rising energy costs.

You can view East Devon's financial support and advice guide here.

The government recently announced support for households, businesses and public sector organisations facing rising energy bills, including the Energy Bill relief Scheme providing a discount on wholesale gas and electricity prices for all non-domestic customers for six months. 

But the announcement was criticised by local MP Richard Foord. 

The Liberal Democrat MP commented: "This announcement is nothing more than a sticking plaster that comes far too late for many local businesses.

"The Conservatives have had months to act, but instead chose to sit on their hands whilst local shops, pubs, and cafes went to the wall. Now, they are trying to push the problem down the road for another six months.

"This simply isn't good enough. It leaves many uncertain about the future and shows the government still doesn't have a plan to tackle this crisis.

"Our high streets need support to cover at least the next year; with a strong focus on improving energy efficiency and cutting bills in the long term. 

"This is the only way to provide certainty and protect the beating heart of our towns and villages."

The Liberal Democrats also described the government's offer of £100 to offset the cost of heating oil for off-grid homes "a slap in the face".

The average household on heating oil is facing a £1,200 increase in their heating costs, meaning the £100 help from the government "will make little difference", according to the Liberal Democrats.

In Devon, 40,511 homes use heating oil to keep their homes warm. It means families in Devon on heating oil are facing a total increase of £44,561,992 to the cost of their heating, even including the £100 help from the government.

Mr Foord said: "People in Devon are facing unprecedented hikes in their energy bills, yet those who use heating oil are being forgotten about.

"Over 40,000 households are left facing a £44 million increase in their bills, and all the Conservatives have offered them is just £100 to help.

"Once again rural homes are being forgotten by this out of touch Conservative Government."

Tim Farron MP, Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs Spokesperson, added: "This is a slap in the face for rural communities across the country. People in rural areas often face higher bills yet despite this the Conservatives are offering them less. 

"The promise of only an extra £100 for people facing a £1,200 hike in just their heating bill alone shows that the Conservatives don't understand the needs of rural communities who cannot rely on the mains grid. 

"These communities are sick of being taken for granted and this announcement is proof – if ever it was needed - that the Conservative government does not understand or care about rural Britain.

"Liberal Democrats are calling for a price cap on heating oil to protect homes facing sky high bills this winter."

You can find full details of the government's energy crisis announcements and financial support available here.