The Mayor of Salford, Paul Dennett, has announced increased support for eligible pensioners affected by changes to the national Winter Fuel Payments. The City Council is working to help those of pensionable age who are missing out on additional support by encouraging them to apply for Pension Credit, which triggers Winter Fuel Payments.
Commitment to Support at the Cost of Living Summit
Earlier this month, Mayor Dennett led a Cost of Living Summit with business, community leaders, housing associations, and voluntary groups to address rising living costs. He pledged to simplify access to Pension Credit applications for those in need. The summit emphasized Salford’s dedication to alleviating poverty and supporting its most vulnerable residents.
Over £400,000 in Welfare Rights Service Funding Brings Significant Gains
In February, Salford committed over £400,000 to its Welfare Rights and Debt Advice Service, resulting in £1.9 million in financial gains for older residents. Mayor Dennett reaffirmed the city’s commitment to build on this success, stating, “We are determined to do more!”
Additional Funding for Salford’s Pensioners
Mayor Dennett has outlined plans to bridge the financial gap for pensioners not currently receiving Pension Credit. Salford residents aged 66 or older, who are on Council Tax Reduction Support but not receiving Pension Credit, will receive direct assistance to help them through the winter. The Council is preparing an implementation plan and will encourage eligible residents to contact the City Council to ensure they receive full support.
Call for Government Action and Extension of Pension Credit Deadline
Mayor Dennett has reached out to local MPs, urging the Government to extend the December 21st deadline for Pension Credit applications, simplify the process, and consider auto-enrollment for eligible pensioners. He also emphasized the importance of the Household Support Fund, calling for clarity on its future to ensure continued support for children eligible for Free School Meals.
Message to Salford Residents: Seek Support Ahead of December Deadline
The Mayor encouraged all eligible residents to apply for Pension Credit before the December 21 deadline to unlock the Winter Fuel Payment. Information is available at Salford’s local gateway centres or online at salford.gov.uk/welfarerights.
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said:
“We know that national changes to winter fuel payments will affect thousands of residents in Salford. That’s why in September I wrote to every resident of pensionable age whose records show they aren’t receiving Pension Credit, to encourage and support them in applying. Earlier this month I brought together business and community leaders, housing associations and voluntary and community groups at a Cost of Living Summit for the city and pledged our commitment to make it as easy as possible for people to come forward and be supported in applying for Pension Credit, which would also trigger a Winter Fuel Payment. Now I am going further than that by confirming that we will be providing additional support to pensioners across the city.
“In February we committed over £400,000 to our Welfare Rights and Debt Advice Service that provides vital help, support and advice to residents and families across our city. This has already resulted in older people in the city accessing over £1.9m in financial gains. Be we are not resting on our laurels and are determined to do more!
“I want to provide additional funding to those pensioners who are not currently receiving Pension Credit and thereby triggering Winter Fuel Payments and those who need help the most. This additional funding will help to bridge the gap, providing direct, essential support over the winter to Salford residents 66 years of age or older, and who are in receipt of Council Tax Reduction Support and not receiving Pension Credit.
“I have instructed officers to plan the implementation of this package of support and to bring a report to Cabinet for decision in the next few weeks, alongside which we will be writing to relevant residents encouraging them to contact the City Council, so we can ensure they are receiving all the support they are entitled to. It still remains crucial that eligible residents apply for Pension Credit before the 21st December national deadline if they’re to trigger a Winter Fuel Payment this year.
“We have a strong track record of placing poverty prevention and reduction at the heart of everything we do as a city. We’re immensely proud of all the support we provide to Salford residents and our investment in essential services that directly support the most vulnerable.
“I’m proud of the work our council has done so far supporting our elderly and vulnerable residents, but we’re eager to build on the city’s recent Cost of Living
Summit, our over £400,000 investment in the Welfare Rights and Debt Advice Service and collectively do as much as we can going forward as a city to ensure we maximise support for our residents, families and communities in Salford.
“I have also written to all Salford MPs, with asks for the Government to extend the current deadline for applying for Pension Credit to trigger the Winter Fuel Payment this year, review the threshold with a view to widening the franchise at which eligibility for Pension Credit is applied, and simplify the process for applying for Pension Credit, while also seriously considering the auto-enrolment of eligible pensioners onto Pension Credit.
“With the new Government’s budget statement happening tomorrow (Wednesday), we also need clarity over the future of the Household Support Fund, which will be critical for the continuation of the work we already do to support children and young people entitled to Free School Meals over the school holidays and the continuation of this support beyond this financial year.
“I’d encourage anyone who is unsure if they are entitled to Pension Credit support, or indeed any other financial assistance, to get in touch with us.
“The deadline for accessing Pension Credit support is Saturday 21st December, so please do visit www.salford.gov.uk/welfarerights or call into your local gateway centre and speak to one of the team.”
