In the news: More than 1,100 pensioners supported as Warm Home Guarantee continues
As temperatures drop, Basildon Council's Leader reminds local pensioners that support is still available to keep warm this winter.
With temperatures set to drop below zero for the first time this year, the Leader of Basildon Council has called on local people to make sure no pensioner in Basildon Borough goes cold this winter.
Basildon Council launched the Warm Home Guarantee in September, with Cllr Gavin Callaghan, Leader of Basildon Council, announcing £100,000 of funding to provide payments of £100 to pensioners who are not eligible for the Government's Winter Fuel Payment.
Since the launch, Basildon Council has helped more than 1,100 pensioners in the borough to check their eligibility for additional financial support.
To date, more than 160 pensioners have been paid the £100 Warm Home Guarantee payment.
More than 100 pensioners are now in receipt of other benefits or discretionary payments from the council, and more than 80 pensioners have started receiving Pension Credit they didn't know they were eligible for previously.
As the scheme continues, Basildon Council will host a drop-in event, with dedicated officers on hand to help more local people to check their eligibility for financial support.
The drop-in event will take place 10am to 3pm, Monday 25 November, in the reception area at the Basildon Centre.
Cllr Gavin Callaghan, Leader of Basildon Council, said: "As temperatures drop, I want all of this funding used to help people. We have worked incredibly hard to connect pensioners in the borough to financial support, and it's fantastic to see that hundreds of pensioners are now receiving much-needed funds to heat their homes. But I won't be satisfied until every available penny is going on getting heat into homes across the borough.
"There are hundreds of homes that could be warmer this winter. If you have a friend, family member or neighbour who you think could be eligible for funding, please ensure they come along to next week's drop-in event. Together we can make sure no-one who might be eligible goes without this winter."
The Triage Form, a simple tool available on the council's website, helps assess eligibility for winter fuel support and hardship payments. Families, friends and neighbours are encouraged to help pensioners complete this form.
For more information on the Warm Home Guarantee and to access the Triage Form, visit our website.
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Published 21 November 2024
Contact Basildon Council's Press Office at pressoffice@basildon.gov.uk for further information.