Some Salford pensioners are set to receive a one-off £200 payment towards heating bills over the winter period.
The project will aim to support Salford residents of pensionable age, who fall under the Council Tax Reduction (CTR) scheme but are not in receipt of pension credit.
The announcement was made with the aim of supporting 3,000 Salford households, who will be hoping to benefit from this initiative.
Residents who are eligible will soon receive a letter containing a unique code which is required to make the online claim for the payment.
The one-off payment will be essential this winter with the rise of the cost-of-living-crisis, and this has been shared by the Mayor of Salford, Paul Dennett.
The Mayor how vital it would be, as he said: “Since being elected in May 2016 it’s been heartening to see the Spirit of Salford in action across our communities in tackling poverty, inequalities, while also delivering on our inclusion and preventative agenda.
“I’m immensely proud of all that we’ve achieved to support the most vulnerable, placing lived experience and genuine co-production, as typified by our second Poverty Truth Commission currently underway, at the heart of our tackling poverty, inequalities and inclusion work.”
The scheme has been enabled by the government’s decision to extend the Household Support Fund until March 31 2025, following the Autumn Budget announcing a further £1 billion allocated for 2025-26.
And it is clear that the Council are very committed to supporting residents, families, and communities of Salford during the cost-of-living crisis, as he said: “Our mission-led approach to tackling poverty is why we have always invested in the direct delivery of Welfare Rights and Debt Advice Services.”
In February 2024, the City Council invested £400,000 in to Salford’s Welfare Rights and Debt Advice Service to help out the people most in need.
Over three years, this has helped 781 pension-aged households gain a total of £2,042,714.17 in support they otherwise would have missed.
As Paul Dennett continued: “This is a fantastic achievement and a real credit to the service, in what has been challenging and difficult times for many of our residents and families over the past 14 years.
“With all the welfare changes the Government has been making, not forgetting the cuts to legal aid and the consequences in terms of residents and families often not being able to access justice.”
Cash support to help pensioners with fuel costs this winter. @salford_mayor in consultation with the Mayoral Team has developed a local scheme to support people of pensionable age by providing a one-off £200 towards heating bills over this winter period. pic.twitter.com/8yopIjVnl4
— Salford City Council (@SalfordCouncil) November 12, 2024
Following the decision from the council, Councillor Tracy Kelly, Statutory Deputy City Mayor and Lead Member for Housing and Anti-Poverty, also said: “Salford has already invested in supporting pensioners to apply for Pension Credit.
“This scheme enhances other initiatives which tackle poverty and inequality across the city.
“The winter fuel payment local scheme has been developed quickly to support our most vulnerable pensioners through the winter months who are struggling to make-ends-meet.”
She continued: “By taking this decisive action we are hoping to avoid the distressing situation of our most vulnerable pensioners having to choose whether to heat or eat.
“I would also urge residents to be aware of scams at this time. We will never make residents pay for help and support so please be cautious.”
All residents of state pension age are urged to check if they can apply for Pension Credit, as any amount can allow people to receive other benefits, including the winter fuel payments and warm homes discount.
For more information about the one-off payments – you can find out more here
Visit the Salford City Council Website to find out more information.
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