COST OF LIVING
surging energy costs Scheme insulates Harry from
Thanks to the council’s successful bid for £520,000 from a pot of government funding, allowing essential work to be carried out on homes classed as within the fuel poverty zone – this means a household which spends more than 10% of it’s income of heating bills. Harry’s home was among 56 properties to receive new insulation to protect him against the cold and reduce the impact of spiralling energy costs. But Harry also found the insulation provided an unexpected benefit during the record temperatures of the summer heatwaves – “It kept the house much cooler,” he said. “I was much more comfortable around the house than I would have been outside.” As temperatures start to drop, pensioner Harry Hall from Sutton Hill won’t be noticing the cold quite as much this year.
With the latest price hike in energy prices, Harry is looking forward to his newly insulated home and reduced bills. The 87-year-old retired salesman said: “I am extremely happy with the work and the standard of the finish. They’ve done a very good job. “I am now looking forward to keeping warm without having to use as much energy this winter and hopefully saving some money.” Harry added: “The support I’ve received from Telford & Wrekin Council and Telford Energy Advice has been really good and they’ve kept in touch with me all the way through the process. “I’m delighted with the work which I’m sure will make a big difference when the winter months arrive. I’m very grateful for this funding and that the work has been done so quickly and efficiently.” The work, which includes external wall insulation, cavity wall insulation and loft insulation, means an average grant of £10,000 has been awarded to each home.
Help for pensioners
Bigger bills are a worry for everyone, but especially for people who have a fixed income – like people living on their pension. Pensioners are more likely to be managing poor health and be affected by the cold. But help is out there. Download this guide which brings all the information
together in one place, or if you can, check in with others who might benefit.
If you qualify, Pension Credit could be worth £1,000s a year to you, but hundreds of people are simply unaware it exists. It’s related to your income and made up of two parts: guarantee credit and savings credit. Guarantee credit tops up your weekly income if it’s below £173.75 for single people and £278.70 for couples. Savings credit is an extra payment for people who saved some money towards their retirement, for example a pension. Don’t wait. If you are approaching retirement (or can help someone who is) you can apply up to four months before retirement. You might be eligible for extra benefits such as warm home discount or cold weather payments and even if you qualify Pension credit explained
If you think you may qualify for assistance
under these schemes, you can apply here or contact Telford Energy Advice on 0800 677 1952
for only a small amount, you can claim for a free TV licence.
Call 0800 99 1234 to apply
TOTALLY TELFORD
5
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator