Replacing lost winter fuel payments for Harrow’s least well-off pensioners

Harrow's least well-off pensioners will be among those to benefit from £1.5 million of investment in local cost-of-living projects, recently approved by the council's Cabinet. The money is the latest instalment from the government's Household Support Fund.

Residents of state pension age that no longer qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment but receive Council Tax Support, a benefit for low-income households, will get a letter with further information. Each will receive £200, rising to £300 for the over 80s - the same amount as the Winter Fuel Payment.

Cllr Stephen Greek, Harrow's Cabinet Member for Performance, Communications and Customer Experience, said:

"Supporting vulnerable people is at the heart of all we do. We're concerned that, since the government announced changes to Winter Fuel Payments, some pensioners in Harrow will miss out, even though they're on a low income.

"We've found 1,300 local people in that situation and this year will replace that payment of up to £300 for them.

"Alongside we're helping older people to make sure they're getting all the benefits they're entitled to, especially Pension Credit."

Harrow's latest payment of Household Support Fund will also extend the help offered to families that receive free school meals. They will continue to receive vouchers to help with the cost of food outside of term time

The money will also go to support care leavers moving into independent accommodation, clear rent arrears of people seeking debt support and assist local advice services, including those offered at Harrow's popular Conversation Cafe.

You can find out more about eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment at GOV.UK.

Published: 28th October 2024