Test Valley Borough Council extending winter support
The authority's offers payments to those struggling with energy bills
Last updated 1st Dec 2024
Older people in the Test Valley are being offered more support, in the wake of changes to the Government's Winter Fuel Payment.
The Borough Council's extending a scheme to help people over the age of 66, by allocating £20,000 for grants to residents.
An extra £20,000 can also be added if it's needed.
The Test Valley Winter Fuel Payment Scheme has been in place since 2022, which allowed those who received a payment, but didn’t necessarily require it, to donate it to help others in the borough in need.
Residents of pensionable age, in need of some extra support are encouraged to get in touch with Citizens Advice (CA), who will make an assessment to determine whether the person qualifies for financial assistance.
They can be contacted by calling 0808 178 6882.
Those the CA identifies for financial help will be referred to Unity, a Test Valley-based charity that will hold the funding pot and make the payments of up to £100 direct to residents.
Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Councillor Phil North, said:
“We want to make sure that anyone above the age of 66 is getting the help and support they need in these difficult times, but we also need those people to make themselves known to us.
“This money could be vital in supporting vulnerable pensioners in Test Valley and if your elderly relative or friend could benefit from this please encourage them to contact Citizens Advice, they will be more than happy to help them.”
The Government's changed the Winter Fuel Payment this year, so that it's no longer available to all pensioners.
Instead, it's being means-tested, with estimates from Age UK that around 2 million older people will no longer receive it.