Leader's blog - 30 August 2024
The Prime Minister's speech this week on the severity of the financial situation will undoubtedly have prompted fears up and down the country.
Basildon is not immune to these challenges; we know it's going to be tough.
Changes to Winter Fuel payments will mean that only the most vulnerable who claim Pension Credit will now be eligible, rather than all above pension age. In Basildon that means 4,000 people rather than 15,000 as at present.
The Winter Fuel Allowance is the benefit with the lowest take-up rate across the country - that needs to change, and it needs to change now. The council is preparing to be able to help ensure that all pensioners get the support they are entitled to this winter. We need to find those in the borough who are eligible for these payments but are currently not receiving them before the colder months hit.
The council is already formalising plans to target those communities this Winter. We want to talk to our pensioners who may struggle to heat their homes or need additional support. For those this doesn't apply to - family members, friends and even neighbours should all be supported and prompted to ask for help.
No one should suffer in silence this Winter; this council is here to help.
As Christmas approaches, we know that many of our residents will face financial challenges. For some, this leaves only three payslips or entitled payments, and that simply won't be enough.
As Leader of Basildon Council, I know we can't do everything to support the 15,000 people in our borough living in fuel poverty through these payments, but there is additional support available.
Extra financial help for those in receipt of Housing Benefit or Universal Credit is available through hardship payments. The council's Outreach and Engagement team support over the phone, through face-to-face appointments and at outreach locations across the borough to help residents get the support they need - whether that's from council services or signposting to external providers. Government schemes can support those eligible with the rising cost of energy bills through home upgrade grants. Citizens Advice, based in the Basildon Centre, provide personalised support for those struggling with the cost of living. And local foodbanks continue to support those who are unable to afford their weekly food shop.
Supporting our residents with the rise in cost of living is at the forefront of our agenda; we will do all we can to ensure that our communities can continue to live comfortably this Winter.
This council is here to support its residents.
Published 30 August 2024