Fewer now have help with fuel
FEWER PENSIONERS in Calderdale are receiving financial help to keep them warm over winter than a decade ago, figures reveal.
Winter Fuel Payments were introduced in 1997 to tackle fuel poverty amongst pensioners.
Households with someone receiving a state pension are automatically entitled to a taxfree sum of between £100 and £300 each year towards the heating bill. Payments are normally made in November or December.
The latest Department for Work and Pensions data shows 37,530 elderly people received winter fuel payments in Calderdale in 2018-19, down nine per cent from 2009-10.
This mirrored the trend across Great Britain, where 11.6 million recipients were counted – a decrease of nine per cent over the period.
The most common sum handed to Calderdale residents was £100, which accounted for two in five payments last year.
This support “could be lifesaving” for those who cannot afford to heat their home during the cold weather, said NEA director of policy and research Peter Smith.
He added: “Successive governments have recognised the need to end the cost and suffering of cold homes and that home energy improvements are a vital area to invest in.
“However, without further action on this key area, both fuel poverty and carbon targets will be missed and we will continue to see the devastating impact the cold has on frail and elderly people.”
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