Residents in East Devon will benefit from additional government funding.

East Devon District Council's cabinet agreed on Wednesday [29 March] to approve funding of over £600,000 that needs to be spread out over the next 12 months.

The money is part of the household support fund, which is now in its fourth round. East Devon's allocation is part of a little over £10 million given to Devon County Council (DCC), which has administered that funding to its district and city councils.

The funding is split into two phases, with the first £290,000 being given out in the first part between April and September, before the rest is used until the end of next March.

No one needs to apply for the first half of the funding; the council will target the money at those who need it, while there is an application process in place for the second half of the coming financial year.

Officers are yet to finalise how many will benefit from the Westminster cash, or how much people can get.

People will be eligible for the support if they have at least one person in their household who is 16 and over, and do not have the resources to meet their short-term needs.

Mortgage support and help with debt will not be supported by the scheme.

Independent Cllr Jack Rowland, who is charge of the finances for the district, welcomed the additional help.

"I think it speaks for itself," he said. "Again, it's going to demonstrate that we're helping those most in need within this district."

Independent colleague Cllr Marianne Rixson was also pleased to see that will residents will be able to receive extra financial support amid "very distressing times" for many of them.

The cabinet unanimously accepted the fund.