Thousands of pensioners are set to benefit from a one-off £120 payment to assist with living costs this winter. The payment forms part of the Government-funded Household Support Fund scheme.
Initially introduced by the previous Tory Government, the scheme equips local councils with funds to offer cost-of-living support to people in their regions.
The Labour party extended the scheme from September until April of next year and as each council provides different support, many have been announcing their plans over the past few weeks. Norfolk County Council disclosed its intentions for its £6.7million worth of funding on Tuesday.
The Conservative-led council announced it would allocate £1.15million of its funding to aid residents in the area to “keep warm”. From its cash pot, the council will use £750,000 to collaborate with organisations and charities, such as Age UK and Citizens Advice Bureau, to identify pensioners who narrowly missed out on eligibility for Pension Credit or have “higher than average” fuel costs due to a disability.
This initiative follows the Government’s decision to make the Winter Fuel Payment means tested from this winter, and the households identified will each receive a one-off cost of living payment of £120, reports the Mirror.
The council will also be allocating £400,000 to ensure libraries and museums can serve as warm spaces for residents, offering free hot drinks.
Additionally, the council is bolstering its Norfolk Assistance Scheme with a £1million boost to aid those in urgent need of financial help and essential household items like cookers, washing machines, and beds.
In a move to alleviate the pressure on families, the council has earmarked £3.6million for cost-of-living vouchers for households qualifying for means-tested free school meals.
These vouchers, valued at £15 monthly per child and an additional £30 for the festive season in December, are redeemable for food and groceries at various supermarkets through Edenred.
The Household Support Fund will further enhance the Norfolk Assistance Scheme with another £1million, aiming to assist up to 50,000 homes across Norfolk.
Commenting on the extra winter fuel support, Andrew Jamieson, the council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for finance, said: “There will be thousands of people who will miss the new cut-off by a small margin, leaving them without the means to pay for the cost of fuel.
“The council will make sure payments make their way quickly to those who most need them.”
People are encouraged to visit their council’s website or contact their office to learn about the support available to them through the fund. You can check how much your local council has been awarded by visiting gov.uk.
