Council to help elderly with winter fuel bills

The scheme is being funded by Kettering Charities for the Poor, which is run by the town council

Some elderly people living in Kettering and Barton Seagrave will be offered grants to help with their winter fuel bills, a town council has announced.

The scheme in Northamptonshire is being funded by Kettering Charities for the Poor, which is run by the town council.

To be eligible, applicants must not have more than £325 income per week excluding benefits, must be over the statutory retirement age of 66 and live alone.

It comes after the Labour government announced millions of pensioners would no longer receive winter fuel payments.

Leader of Kettering Town Council, Lloyd Bunday, said: "We are pleased to be able to offer these grants out to local people, as we know they can be a lifeline over the colder months.

"This year the grants are expected to be in the region of £68, subject to review at the end of the application period."

Residents have until 28 November to apply to the scheme, ahead of grants being made before Christmas.

The town council said Kettering Charities for the Poor paid out 258 grant payments in 2023.

Forms for this year's scheme are available online or from the reception of North Northamptonshire Council's offices on Bowling Green Road, Kettering.