How councils will fill the winter fuel payment gap

Many pensionsers will no longer get the winter fuel payment after the government changed the rules

Councils across the north-east of England and Cumbria are stepping in to replace the winter fuel payment which the government has axed for about 10 million people.

Local authorities are donating to charities which give grants, or are giving vouchers to pensioners whose incomes are too high to get the means-tested payout, but who are struggling.

The charity Community Action Northumberland said extra payments from local authorities "shouldn't be necessary".

The government said it was "committed to supporting pensioners" with millions set to see their state pension rise by up to £1,900 through its commitment to the triple lock system.

Rita Grimshaw, 80, lives on her own in a small flat in Whitley Bay and said her energy bills were "very, very expensive".

"I've had open-heart surgery so it's extremely important that I keep my home warm," she said.

Rita Grimshaw does not qualify for the winter fuel payment but is getting £300 from North Tyneside Council

Speaking to BBC Radio 4 Money Box she added: "The winter fuel payment was very important for me, it made a lot of difference.

"The £300 I'm getting from the council this year is extremely useful because, if I hadn't had it, I wouldn't have had a liveable amount of money."

Community development officer for Community Action Northumberland, Christine Nicholls, said extra payments from local authorities "shouldn't be necessary".

"The great benefit of the winter fuel payment was that nobody had to apply or get vouchers," she said.

"It just went straight into people's bank accounts, which was a huge advantage because so many older people just don't want to talk about their income or apply for benefits."

In a statement the government said than more than one million pensioners would still receive the payment.

"Our drive to boost pension credit take up has seen applications more than double," it added.

"Many others will also benefit from the £150 Warm Home Discount to help with energy bills over winter while our extension of the Household Support Fund will help with the cost of food, heating and bills."

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The winter fuel payment is worth £200 for those born between 23 September 1944 and 22 September 1958 and receiving certain benefits.

Those born before this date get £300.

Anyone currently not claiming pension credit, but who may be entitled to it, had until 21 December to apply to get this year's payment.

The government has also set up an online calculator to help pensioners check if they are eligible.

North Tyneside Council is using the Household Support Fund to help vulnerable households cover the cost of utilities and other daily needs.

Cabinet member Karen Clarke said when the government extended the support fund in September, the authority set up a scheme to help pensioners receiving council tax support or housing benefit, who did not qualify for the winter fuel payment.

"We are writing to all those residents," she added.

Christine Nicholls from the charity Community Action Northumberland said she was against the changes made to the winter fuel payment

Support available from local councils:

• Newcastle City Council - £200 post office vouchers for households on council tax support or housing benefit but who do not qualify for winter fuel allowance - those aged 80 will receive a further £100 in January

• Sunderland City Council - payments of £200 or £300 (if 80 or over) to households who receive council tax support or housing benefit but not pension credit

• South Tyneside Council - plans to launch a scheme next year for those who have missed out on pension credit

• Northumberland County Council - is contacting residents who may be eligible for pension credit

• North Tyneside Council - £200 voucher for those under 80 and on council tax support or housing benefit, but not pension credit and £300 for those over 80

• Durham County Council - £150 post office voucher for a couple who get council tax reduction - £100 for those who are single

• Gateshead Council - offering discretionary payments

• Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council - vouchers worth up to £180 to those receiving council tax reduction

• Cumberland Council - providing support to Age UK North Cumbria, Copeland Age and Advice Service and Cumbria Community Foundation's Winter Warmth Fund

• Westmorland and Furness Council - supporting Cumbria Community Foundation's Winter Warmth Fund

• Redcar and Cleveland - making discretionary payments and trying to increase uptake of pension credit

• Middlesbrough Council - £200 for those aged 80 and older in receipt of council tax reduction not eligible for the fuel payment - £150 for those aged 66-79

• Darlington Borough Council - did not provide information

• Hartlepool Borough Council - £60 shopping voucher or cash payment, based on local council tax support data