What winter fuel help can I get in Rochdale?

A third winter in the cost-of-living crisis is just around the corner.

Energy bills have soared since spring 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. When looking at ‘typical energy bills’, prices spiked in January 2023, when the previous government put a cap of £2,500 per household in place.

However, that cap was lifted last summer, when typical household bills fell below the threshold. The cap for the last three months of this year is just over £1,700, and British Gas expects it to stay around this figure in early 2025.

However, while bills have fallen since last year, so has the amount of government support for pensioners. Over the summer, the new Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the winter fuel allowance would be cut.

Her decision meant the allowance went from being universally available to all pensioners to only those receiving certain kinds of benefits.

In the wake of the move, local authorities across Greater Manchester have urged pensioners who are entitled to pension credit to come forward, as thousands of older people are missing out on millions of pounds.

Now, some authorities in Greater Manchester are going one step further. Manchester City Council has launched its own ‘hardship fund’.

It will allow pensioners in the city who’ve lost their winter fuel allowance, but still need help making ends meet, claim up to £200. But that’s not the only scheme designed to help our elderly.

 

 

In Rochdale

Rochdale does not appear to have its own fund to help people with energy costs, but it has created a series of phone lines and websites to tell people what they’re entitled to. Some of those are designed for residents who don’t speak English fluently.

Neil Emmott, council leader, has urged ‘everyone to stay updated by following our channels, checking our webpage, or contacting our cost of living hotline for more information on the targeted funding and assistance available’.

He added: “It is crucial that we provide support to our older and vulnerable residents and young families this winter. Through our extensive assistance package and the government’s welcome extension of the Household Support Fund, we will make sure no one goes hungry or struggles to heat their home during the colder months.

“I am proud to lead a socially responsible and progressive council that is dedicated to providing a safety net for those most in need.”

Ethan Davies and George Lythgoe. Local Democracy Reporters