Council hopes to make up for fuel shortfall due to winter fuel cuts

Pensioners affected by government changes to the winter fuel allowance could receive up to £200.

Middlesbrough Council has approved plans that will see extra funding given to people on low incomes who are narrowly missing out on benefits.

The plans are funded by the Household Support Fund, which Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall extended last month by providing £1.65 million to Middlesbrough.

However, independent councilor Michael Saunders fears the scheme “will not be enough”.

Previously, winter fuel payments were given to all pensioners to help them pay their energy bills.

But in July the government said payments would now only be made to those on low incomes receiving certain benefits.

Under the council’s plans, Council Tax Relief (CTR) pensioners born before 23 September 1944 would receive a payment of £200, while those born between then and 22 September 1958 would receive a payment of £150. pounds sterling.

Those not eligible for CTR can apply for £100 per household if they have an illness or disability, or if they are a single pensioner with an annual income of less than £20,000 or a married couple with an income of less than £26,000 pounds sterling.

Low-income families with children will also be eligible for support, and those receiving free school meals will receive an automatic payment of £60 per child.

“Great scheme”

At a meeting with the local authority executive, Labor councilor Nicky Walker, the member responsible for the scheme, said the plans helped “those people who simply don’t get pension credit, often because they’ve worked hard all their lives and have little work.” pension or a small amount of savings.”

“We will not miss out on the vulnerable families we have supported in previous years,” she added.

Middlesbrough’s Labor mayor Chris Cook called it a “great scheme”.

He said: “I think the local government is looking for solutions rather than just sending a letter (to the government), which we are also doing, asking for reform of the winter fuel allowance.”

The extended HSF will last until March 31, 2025.

“Slip Through the Net”

However, Michael Saunders, leader of the Middlesbrough Independent Councilors Association (MIDA), believes the fund “will not be enough”.

He said: “We believe the government needs to go back to the drawing board and the plans need to be reformed. This is the position the council should take.

“Without a shadow of a doubt, some pensioners will slip through the net, that’s our concern.

“I just hope the winter is mild and not as harsh as others and gives retirees a chance.”

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