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Thousands who missed out on the £300 or £200 Winter Fuel Payment can get a free £175 from today. Tower Hamlets Council is offering a £175 cash payment to pensioners it has assessed as in need to help with winter pressures.
According to the Department for Work and Pension ( DWP ), Tower Hamlets has the largest proportion of pensioners receiving pension credit of any local authority in England at 44% – meaning they remain eligible for the winter fuel allowance .
Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, said: “I’ve spoken with many elderly residents who are worried at having to endure life-threateningly low temperatures this winter or having to make the impossible choice between heating and eating because they will no longer receive the government’s Winter Fuel Allowance.
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“As winter bites and temperatures plummet, we have stepped in to fill the void left by the removal of the Winter Fuel Allowance. We’re restoring this vital lifeline for pensioners in Tower Hamlets, who are receiving letters from me, allowing them to instantly collect cash payments at any Post Office branch.
“Tower Hamlets is leading the way in showing how we should prioritise support for those struggling during this cost-of-living crisis, after we became the first Council to introduce universal free school meals and to restore the Educational Maintenance Allowance, and now reversing cuts to protect pensioners this winter.”
Cabinet Member for Cost of Living and Resources, Cllr Saied Ahmed, said: “We are proud to be the first Council in the country to have approved a Winter Fuel Payment, with eligible pensioners able to immediately collect cash payments.
“With 50,000 pensioners across the country reportedly at risk of being pushed into fuel poverty in the next year, and with many struggling with isolation and loneliness during the dark, cold months, we are prioritising support for elderly residents. I
“In addition to the Winter Fuel Payments and support to access vital Pension Credit payments, the trifecta of policies in our winter support package includes our Warm Hubs, which are now open to provide residents with safe, warm spaces to enjoy a cup of tea, have a snack, socialise and access support services.”
Carol Abbott, 72 runs the East London Pension Group came along to the warm hub with fellow volunteers who help run the social club based at Bethnal Green. Carol said: “I continue to do voluntary work and am pleased the council has not forgotten us and is running the warm hubs again this year. They are much needed.
“Even though I am in my seventies I know how important social clubs are for older people which is why continue to volunteer. With the price of everyday groceries and bills going up every little helps and I ask all older people to sign up to Pension Credit if they haven’t already and the Winter Fuel Payment. You never know until you try!”
