Council to ramp up support for pensioners this winter

Monday, November 18, 2024

West Lancashire Borough Council steps up support to help local pensioners prepare for the winter months by providing essential resources and guidance, prioritising pensioners' safety, well-being and their warmth.

The Council will support pensioners by promoting awareness of Pension Credit and by providing clear, updated information on the Household Support Fund through its website and social media and through community partner groups in the Voluntary, Community, and Faith Sector (VCFS).

The commitment to supporting the elderly with heating costs this winter started in August when the Council supported 360 tenants with over £113K to help cover heating costs. Through partnerships with CAB and The Wise Group, the Council is also providing fuel vouchers to residents in crisis and distributing funds through the Household Support Fund for basic living essentials including heating and food.

The Council's Financial Inclusion team is actively conducting benefit checks to ensure pensioners can maximise their income by claiming all eligible support.

By encouraging the uptake of Pension Credit through council services, partnerships and local charities and community organisations, it ensures that all eligible pensioners in West Lancashire are supported in claiming their entitlement.

Councillor Mark Anderson, lead member for Finance, said: "We are aware of the administrative barriers and stigma that can prevent eligible pensioners from claiming Pension Credit, leaving many without the support they desperately need.

"We will be supporting them by advocating for fair policies, providing emergency fuel vouchers and helping eligible pensioners claim essential benefits through events and partnerships with local charities."

"We'll also be calling on the government to review existing policies and stand by pensioners who rely on this support to stay safe and warm through the cold months."

The Council will also work with ICAN (Independent Community Advice Network), Department for Work and Pensions, Citizens Advice, Trading Standards and Housing Benefits to host Pension Credit awareness events across West Lancashire.

Dates and times are:

Date	Time	Place
19 November	10:00 - 13:00	Beechwood Court, Skelmersdale
26 November	10:00 - 13:00	Meols Court, Banks
4 December	9:30 - 12:30	The Concourse, Skelmersdale (With partners WLBC, DWP, Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), Trading Standards, ICAN and Revenues & Benefits officers)
5 December	9:30 - 12:30	Hope Street Café, Ormskirk (With the same partners)
11 December	9:30 -12:30	The Concourse, Skelmersdale
12 December	9:30 - 12:30	Hope Street Café, Ormskirk

Councillor Anderson continued: "We are urging anyone who thinks they may be eligible for Pension Credit to reach out to us for support. These funds are set aside for this purpose and we want to make sure everyone in the Borough is in receipt of their full entitlement as we move into the colder months."

Our officers are waiting to help you. For more information, please join us at one of the events listed above or contact [email protected]

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