AN Essex council has announced a £100,000 fund to help struggling pensioners pay energy bills this winter, after the new Labour Government pushed through plans to withdraw fuel payments for the elderly.

Basildon Council has launched its warm home guarantee, to support pensioners during the colder months and is allocating an initial £100,000 to help 1,000 pensioner households with a one-off £100 grant to ease their energy bills this winter.

On Tuesday September 10, the Government won a vote to restrict the payments to all but the poorest pensioners by 348 votes to 228 – a majority of 120.

The cut means that from this winter only those claiming pension credit or other means-tested benefits will receive help with their fuel bills, whereas previously the allowance was available to anyone over the age of 66.

Basildon Council says its warm home guarantee initiative started with council visits to all 47 council-owned sheltered schemes from Monday September 9.

The council will also host events at local libraries, community centres, and via the Outreach bus, ensuring that pensioners across the borough are aware of the support available.

The council also says is has the triage form, a “simple tool” available on the council’s website, which helps assess eligibility for winter fuel support and hardship payments. The council is also encouraging families and friends to help pensioners complete this form or signpost them to one of the council’s outreach events.

Grandmother and former Labour councillor, Pat Rackley, 74, from Laindon, said: “I think getting and helping pensioners to complete the form is a big issue and for many it’s too complicated. I think what the council is doing is a positive thing and I think it will make a difference to older people and pensioners.

“Some of these people have the attitude that it’s begging bowl and not something for them – but it is they’ve worked all their lives and paid into the system. I think this does and will take the pressure off pensioners and older people but do I feel the issue is helping and getting these people to access the help on offer.

“I think the council is going the right way with this but I hope people can access the support available.”

Gavin Callaghan, Labour reader of Basildon Council, said: “This campaign is about community. We need the support of families, friends, and neighbours to make sure that every pensioner in need can access the help they deserve.

“At present, it is estimated that between 800 and 1,000 pensioners should be entitled to the full winter fuel allowance this winter but that they aren’t enrolled in the scheme. We very quickly need to get these residents enrolled so that they don’t miss out on the full winter fuel allowance from November.

“Alongside this work, the £100 grant is just one part of our commitment to making sure Basildon’s pensioners stay warm this winter.”

For more information on the Warm Home Guarantee and to access the Triage Form see basildon.gov.uk