Charity launches pensioners' winter fuel payments

Age Concern Guernsey has shared support for islanders

Age Concern Guernsey is shared support for older islanders who may be worried about the financial impact on households this winter.

Every year, from 1 November to 1 May, Age Concern Guernsey operates a fuel fund, specifically to assist Guernsey pensioners who struggle to pay their fuel bills.

The charity said it looked at each application and, if successful, it would send a voucher for £275 which could be used against any fuel – electricity, gas, oil or solid fuel.

Charity chairman David Inglis said the grants would certainly put a "big smile" on people's faces.

He said: "We have been running this grant system for the last 10 years and it has great benefit to people of an older age.

"We invite people who had a grant last year to apply this year, because the problem doesn't go away.

"We try and keep it as simple as possible: you have to be over 65 and all they have to do is fill out a very simple form.

"The grant certainly puts a big smile on people's faces."