Richmond Council has reassured ow-income pensioners in Teddington that it will step in with financial support, as the government withdraws winter fuel payments for not only all but the very worst off. 

Leader of Richmond Council, Councillor Gareth Roberts said: "The government has drawn a line in the sand which has left some people facing a winter with unaffordable heating bills.

"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 not only be offering £100 to all pensioners who receive a Council Tax Reduction, but also to those who are not eligible for the government's winter fuel payments.

This is in addition to the council's Fuel Grant Scheme, which is a payment of up to £170.

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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.

Richmond 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 three months, with the latest date to apply for the Winter Fuel Payment being 21 December 2024.

Find out what you can apply for here.