Help this winter
With winter round the corner and the recent announcement that the energy price cap will rise by £149 (10%) this month, now is the time to make sure we can all be warm and comfortable.
If you are struggling with paying the bills here are some ways to look for help.
The government has pledged to keep many of the cost-of-living support grants from last winter. You can check what is available and who is eligible on the Malvern District Council or Wychavon District Council websites.
The Money Saving Expert website also has grants and ideas.
Some of us are running boilers that are very much past their sell by date. The government is still running the boiler upgrade scheme and you can check to see if you are eligible for a grant here.
If you do not qualify for the scheme but still interested in how to save money, the Energy Saving Trust has been running a campaign to help people find ways to make their houses more energy efficient. Last year we saved over £100 in heating just by buying and using window draft excluder tape (£9.99 purchase!). You can find out more here.
Winter Fuel Payments
Both Worcestershire County Council and Wychavon have voted to support pensioners this winter after the Winter Fuel Payments removed. The Liberal Democrat motion ensured the council would support residents who need help applying for Pension Credits. A staggering 40% of people eligible for Pension Credits are currently not receiving them. The Liberal Democrats have promised to work with the councils to get as many people as possible who are eligible for pension credit claiming for it. You can check your eligibility online here.
If you struggle to use the eligibility calculator, or need help with the application, please contact the Pension Service helpline:
Telephone: 0800 731 0469
Textphone: 0800 731 0464
Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 731 0469
Support with Age UK
Finally, Age UK are also running a campaign to return the Winter Fuel Payments. All the details are here.
It is clear the threshold at which pensioners do not qualify for Winter Fuel Payments is far too low. Only those receiving a pension of less than £218.15 a week (or £332.95 a week for couples) are eligible for pension credits. This is significantly lower than the living wage rate.
The Liberal Democrats are really grateful that Wychavon agreed to support our request to write to the Chancellor to change this policy. The Liberal Democrats will continue to campaign to get support for those who need it.