What aid is available to help needy cope with winter fuel bills?

A third winter in the cost-of-living crisis is just around the corner.

Energy bills have soared since spring 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. When looking at ‘typical energy bills’, prices spiked in January 2023, when the previous government put a cap of £2,500 per household in place.

However, that cap was lifted last summer, when typical household bills fell below the threshold. The cap for the last three months of this year is just over £1,700 — and British Gas expects it to stay around this figure in early 2025.

However, while bills have fallen since last year, so has the amount of government support for pensioners. Over the summer, then-new Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the winter fuel allowance would be cut.

Her decision meant the allowance went from being universally available to all pensioners to only those receiving certain kinds of benefits. In the wake of the move, local authorities across Greater Manchester have urged OAPs who are entitled to pension credit to come forward — as thousands of our elderly are missing out on millions of pounds.

Now, some authorities in Greater Manchester are going one step further.

Tameside council is urging residents to claim pension credit, if they can. They believe £7m is unclaimed at present.

A spokesperson said: “We have a range of support available to help residents in need. This includes our Welfare Rights team hosting a Pension Credit Roadshow where older people across Tameside can find out if they’re eligible for an estimated £7 million of unclaimed Pension Credit and check they’re getting all the benefits they are entitled to..

“And our Helping Hand campaign offers support for those who need it most. It partners with local charities, food banks, and advice services, ensuring there’s a comprehensive network of help within reach. The advice on managing debt, maximising benefits, and planning a budget is invaluable for those facing ongoing financial stress.”

For dates and times of ‘roadshow’ events, visit the website here, or to see support available via the Helping Hand, go online here.

Oldham council has a dedicated advice phone line, plus webpages for help on how best to pay individual bills (e.g. rent or mortgages, energy bills, or food shopping). Five libraries across the borough ‘will host core services while addressing the specific needs of its residents in the area’.

Plans are still being ‘developed’ for more support, the LDRS understands, and the borough is putting a big emphasis on claiming pension credit – with 3,000 eligible people still not taking advantage.

You can find out more online here or call the advice line on 0161 770 7007 from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, or text 07860 022876.