Hillingdon Council announces new winter support initiatives to protect older residents from government winter fuel allowance cuts

The plans were unveiled by Leader of the Council, Cllr Ian Edwards, at a Full Council meeting last night (Thursday 26 September) in response to the cut in winter fuel payments by the government, a move that will impact thousands of pensioners in the borough.

The council will use some of the £2 million Household Support Fund it has been allocated under the latest extension of the scheme to: 

• commission a local charity, or other third party, to reach out to all pensioners in the borough and assist those that may be entitled to Pension Credit to submit a claim. Pensioners who may need support to navigate the online application system will receive help directly in their homes 
• prioritise the council's pensioner tenants for energy efficiency improvements planned for its housing stock. Properties with older tenants which have an Energy Performance Certificate of D and below will be prioritised for the programme of new boilers, new double glazing and improved insulation
• create a Pensioners' Support Fund to help eligible older residents stay warm this winter, with further details of this scheme provided in due course.

This support is in addition to that already provided at warm welcome centres, where the council works in partnership with organisations across the borough so that residents can get information, and advice, have a warm drink, socialise and get involved in activities that are on offer.

Cllr Edwards said: "Unfortunately, the council is not in a position to mitigate entirely the harms of this government cut in winter fuel allowance for some of our most vulnerable residents, but we will be taking these important steps to help support the borough's 13,000 pensioners this winter.

"The process to submit a claim for Pension Credit can be daunting and is structured mainly for online applications, which is not ideal for older people. This is why we'll be providing on-hand support with applications, in their homes, to assist them as best we can. By making homes more energy efficient we will permanently lower their energy bills, in some instances by much more than their lost winter fuel allowance ensuring they can continue to heat their houses and stay safe.

"These initiatives are part of our important and proactive work to support thriving, healthy households in the borough and, in particular, help our most vulnerable residents."

More information will be provided via the council's website in due course.