Council announces further details of winter support initiatives

This will impact thousands of pensioners in the borough and, in response, the Leader of the Council, Cllr Ian Edwards, first unveiled the support plans last month. 

The council is using some of the £2 million Household Support Fund it has been allocated under the latest extension of the scheme to work with Age UK to assist pensioners in the borough who may be entitled to Pension Credit to submit a claim.  

If they require support to make an application, they can contact Age UK Hillingdon, Harrow and Brent by calling 02087 563040 (select option one) or email enquiries@ageukhhb.org.uk. Pensioners who may need support to navigate the Pension Credit online application system will receive help directly in their homes. 

A Pensioners' Support Fund has also been established to help those who are not eligible for the winter fuel allowance, who were born before 23 September 1958, and are experiencing financial hardship where they can apply for utility bill support to help heat their homes this winter. 

Exceptional support is also available for those facing significant hardship, including older people who need assistance, with applications assessed on financial criteria and proof of household income. 

The council is also using the Household Support Fund to help eligible households with children aged up to 19 years old who receive benefit-related free school meals. They can receive £15 per child, per week for a total of four weeks, split into three separate payments covering the October half-term, Christmas holiday, and February half-term periods.  

These schemes are in addition to the support 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: "These important initiatives will help support the borough's 13,000 pensioners this winter and go some way towards mitigating the harms of the government cut in winter fuel allowance for some of our most vulnerable residents. 

"We're also, once again, able to make payments to eligible families with children in receipt of benefit-related free school meals, providing vital support for them over the school holiday periods. 

"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. If you do need support this winter, please come forward." 

For full details of the schemes, and eligibility criteria, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/household-support-fund