RICHMOND COUNCIL STEPS IN OVER WINTER FUEL CRISIS
Low-income pensioners in Richmond Borough have been reassured that the Council will be stepping in with financial support, as the Government withdraws winter fuel payments for all but the worst off, it was announced today.
“The Government has drawn a line in the sand which has left some people facing a winter with unaffordable heating bills,” says Leader of Richmond Council, Councillor Gareth Roberts.
“This Council refuses to stand by and let our older residents suffer, so we are introducing a new winter fuel support payment to help those who will be worst off under the Government’s new rules.”
Under the rules, only pensioners who receive Pension Credit will be eligible for the Government’s annual winter fuel payment.
Councillor Roberts added: “For many years, long before the cost-of-living crisis, Richmond Council has gone above and beyond to support those on low incomes, not just pensioners, with their winter fuel bills through our Fuel Grants Scheme.
“Last year we helped 1,326 households through Fuel Grants and this year we are going a step further to help 900 pensioners with an extra £100 via our new top up payment.”
The Council will offer £100 to all pensioners who receive a Council Tax Reduction, but who are not eligible for the Government’s winter fuel payments.
This is in addition to the Fuel Grant Scheme which is a payment of up to £170.
Those eligible for the Government winter fuel payment can also apply for the Council’s Fuel Grant Scheme which will open for applications on 2 December 2024.
The Council is also running a targeted campaign to make sure all pensioners who are eligible for Pension Credit are claiming it.
Pension Credit could be worth on average £3,900 per year for those who are over the state pension age (66+ years).
Claims can be backdated by up to 3 months, with the latest date to apply for the Winter Fuel Payment being 21 December 2024.
Check what you can apply for
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Who
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What
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How Much
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Deadline to apply
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Residents over the state pension age (66+ years), if your weekly income is less than:
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Government Pension Credit
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Around £3,900 per year
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Any time
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Government Winter Fuel Payment
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Up to £300
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To receive this payment, eligible residents must apply for Pension Credit before 21 December 2024
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Residents over the state pension age (66+ years), who receive Council Tax Reduction, but are not eligible for Government Pension Credit
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Richmond Council Winter Fuel Top Up Payment
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£100
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We will contact eligible residents in due course
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Any household with a low income and in receipt of Council Tax Reduction
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Richmond Council Fuel Grant Scheme
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£170
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Applications will open 2 December 2024 until 17 January 2025. Payments should be paid in February
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Support with the cost of living is available in Richmond upon Thames.
Residents can visit the Richmond Cost of Living Hub for the latest information on what is available nationally and locally as well as details of the borough’s network of Community Spaces and free support calculator.
Residents can also sign up to receive cost of living support updates straight to their inbox.
This additional payment will be funded by the Council’s Household Support Fund allocation, which is given to all councils by the Government to help support residents through the cost-of-living crisis.