Thousands of people in Salford could get a £200 payment from the council to help heat their homes this winter.
Salford City Council has set up its own scheme to help struggling households in the city with their energy bills, after changes to the government’s winter fuel payment sparked fears that some pensioners could miss out on vital support as temperatures drop.
Bosses at the town hall say there are about 3,000 residents in Salford who are eligible for the cash through its local scheme, and these households will be contacted by the council directly with a unique code which they can use to claim the money.
It is aimed at helping people of state pension age who already get help through Salford’s council tax reduction scheme but are not getting pension credits.
Those who claim the money will have it deposited into their bank account after some identity checks.
The council said the payment was made possible because of an extension of the Household Support Fund for a further six months until March 2025 – funding given to town halls from the government to help struggling households.
In total, the new scheme could cost Salford council around £600,000 if everyone eligible claims their £200 payment.
Salford’s Labour Mayor Paul Dennett said people in the city have faced “challenging and difficult times” over the past 14 years due to cuts to welfare and the council’s budget.
He added: “We continue to be hugely passionate about doing everything possible to support our residents, families and communities at this time, especially as we continue to grapple with the challenges arising out of the cost-of-living crisis.”
The council’s new winter support payment was confirmed by councillors during a meeting at Salford Civic Centre on November 12.
Coun Bill Hinds, one of Mr Dennett’s cabinet team, said “many people [would] suffer” around Salford without the support, but added that it is “a pity” that the council had to step in after changes to the national winter fuel payment.
Salford council says its staff have helped hundreds of pensioners around the city get their hands on more than £2 million in unclaimed benefits since February, when the town hall invested more money into its welfare rights and debt advice service.
Salford’s deputy mayor Tracy Kelly said the local winter fuel payment will be a lifeline to some of the most vulnerable people in the city, but warned residents to watch out for criminals trying to scam them.
She added: “The winter fuel payment local scheme has been developed quickly to support our most vulnerable pensioners through the winter months who are struggling to make-ends-meet.
“By taking this decisive action we are hoping to avoid the distressing situation of our most vulnerable pensioners having to choose whether to heat or eat.
“I would also urge residents to be aware of scams at this time. We will never make residents pay for help and support so please be cautious.”
Anyone eligible for the local payment will receive a letter from Salford council with information on how to claim the money.
The council is planning to set up a hotline which residents can call for support with the application process.
Residents of state pension age were also urged to check if they can apply for pension credit, which would allow them to receive other benefits including the government’s winter fuel payment.
