Vulnerable elderly residents in Peterborough who are struggling to pay bills this winter can get vital support as part of a new initiative.
Following confirmation that Peterborough City Council’s Household Support Fund (HSF) is to be extended until March 2025, the authority has teamed up with local charity Age UK Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to launch ‘Older Adults Winter Support’.
Launching on Monday 21 October, the scheme will provide £100 vouchers for those older people most in need of financial support during the winter months. The vouchers can be spent at several outlets helping recipients to free up funds for heating and fuel costs during this period.
Residents meeting the following criteria can apply for support through the scheme:
- Aged 65 and over
- Live alone or with another person aged 65 or over
- On a low income and not in receipt of pension credit
- Savings of less than £10,000 (proof is requested)
- Reside within the unitary authority area of Peterborough City
For more information about the scheme please call Age UK Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s team on 01733 564185 or email pbws@ageukcap.org.uk
Each claimant will be assessed to ensure there is a need for such financial support, but officers will also assess to determine what other help can be provided in order to reduce the need for future vouchers.
Councillor Alison Jones, Peterborough City Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, said: “We are all affected by the rising cost of living, but for some people the impact upon their lives is huge. With winter just around the corner we wanted to do something to specifically help older people who may be struggling and feeling vulnerable right now.
“I’m delighted that we have launched Older Adults Winter Support and would like to thank Age UK Cambridgeshire and Peterborough for their help with this. As always, our message to anyone struggling is please get in touch because there is never any shame in asking for help.”
Melanie Pittock, CEO for Age UK Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said: "We are really pleased Peterborough City Council, like us, recognise the financial difficulties many local older residents are facing. Nobody should feel embarrassed to ask for support, and we encourage applications to this scheme. We are particularly keen to support those older residents not eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment who are worried about their fuel bills."
The programme will ensure that the immediate needs of older residents are met, so they are able to use heating and remain comfortable within their homes. However, the scheme’s main aim is providing much wider support to ensure residents are aware of preventative mechanisms available.
Age UK have a committed and highly skilled team to undertake this work. They will liaise closely with all providers of winter support and older people’s services in the Peterborough area to ensure the support is accessible to all eligible local residents.