North Devon Lib Dems Pass Winter Fuel Support For Pensioners

North Devon Council's Liberal Democrats have chosen to provide emergency financial support to local pensioners who are expected to lose their Winter Fuel Allowance.

Almost one thousand pensionable-age households across North Devon will receive £200 to help offset the expected loss of Winter Fuel Allowance.

The extra support will apply to pensioners who are currently ineligible for Pension Credit, but who are entitled to Council Tax Reduction (a means tested benefit) widening the pool of support to many of those who will narrowly miss out on Winter Fuel Allowance from this year.

Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Peter Leaver, said: “The Liberal Democrats believe the Government have made the wrong decision to slash Winter Fuel Allowance. While North Devon Council can't stop this, we can step-in to provide essential support to many of those facing hardship who might otherwise narrowly miss out.”

Ian Roome, Lib Dem MP for North Devon, added: “Lib Dems in Parliament have voted to try to block cuts to pensioners' Winter Fuel Allowance, so I'm so pleased to be able to say that North Devon Council has intervened to provide support to those pensioners hardest hit.”

North Devon Council will write to all eligible households explaining the scheme, and will offer support via a Post Office (PO) voucher which can be redeemed by family/friend with ID if a pensioner is unable to collect the support themselves.

Applications are expected to open from Monday 28th October, and initial letters to direct awards will be sent out at the same time.

To sign the Lib Dems' petition against cuts to Winter Fuel Allowance, click here: https://www.northdevonlibdems.org.uk/campaigns/save-winter-fuel-allowance

To learn more about this scheme, click here: https://www.northdevon.gov.uk/benefits-and-grants/household-support-fund

To check your eligibility for Council Tax Reduction, click here: https://www.gov.uk/apply-council-tax-reduction

To check your eligibility for Pension Credit, click here: https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit