Council confirms £200 cost of living payments to be paid to thousands this year
In its announcement yesterday, Salford Council confirmed that it would provide households who lost their Winter Fuel payments last year with £200 this winter to help with energy costs
A UK council has confirmed that it will be paying certain residents £200 to help with energy costs this year. The help comes through Salford Council's Household Support Fund scheme.
This is a government-funded cost of living initiative which gives local councils pots of cash to help struggling households living in that area. Each council decides what help it will offer to residents, an you can only claim support from your local authority.
The government gave Salford Council £4.8 million for its Household Support Fund this year following its extension. In its announcement yesterday, Salford Council confirmed that it would provide households who lost their Winter Fuel Payments last year with £200 this winter to help with energy costs.
Salford's Winter Support Payment scheme will give cash to those over 65 who may be eligible for Pension Credit but have not yet claimed it or are still to apply for it. Last year, 92% of the 3,000 Salford residents who were eligible received a payment through the scheme.
Energy and supermarket vouchers will be provided to those struggling to cover those costs. Alongside this, it will also be issuing holiday food vouchers to eligible children during school holidays and support additional council services, including housing and adult social care. The scheme will also fund Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) partners to deliver food banks, food clubs, and food schemes.
According to the council, since the Househodl Support Fund started in 2021, Salford Council has received more than 50,000 applications. Those who want to apply for support can do so through Salford Council's website.
The money will be managed and distributed by Salford City Council's Assist team. The Council has confirmed that residents do not need to be claiming benefits to apply for the Household Support Fund. However, those who do apply need to provide evidence that they are unable to cover the costs themselves.
From universal credit to furlough, employment rights, travel updates and emergency financial aid - we've got all of the big financial stories you need to know about right now.
Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett added: 'This funding has made a real difference to people's lives in Salford. It has helped families put food on the table, kept homes warm during winter, and ensured that children don't go hungry during the school holidays.
He continued: 'We're committed to using this funding to keep that support going. I urge any resident facing financial difficulties to explore the support available through the Household Support Fund.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
11 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
DWP message to 'all pensioners' in Pension Credit update
The latest set of Pension Credit statistics shows that an additional 58,800 households have been awarded the means-tested benefit since last summer's Winter Fuel Payment announcement A government minister has urged people to consider applying for Pension Credit. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has unveiled new Pension Credit statistics that show an extra 58,800 households have been granted the means-tested benefit since last summer's Winter Fuel Payment announcement limiting the benefit to Credit claimants. The DWP also reported a significant reduction in outstanding applications. It's fallen from approximately 30,000 at the end of June 2024 to 10,800. Pensions Minister Torsten Bell previously stated that the average processing time for the State Pension income boost, worth over £4,300 this year, is 52.8 working days - roughly 10 weeks. This implies that low-income older individuals submitting new claims this month could receive their first payment and any arrears by the end of August. Commenting on the new figures, the DWP pensions minister said: "We are absolutely committed to ensuring every pensioner receives what they are entitled to. Thanks to our biggest ever awareness campaign we have dealt with a record number of Pension Credit claims in the last 10 months, with an additional 58,800 households now receiving support. "Pension Credit can be a lifeline to those on low incomes, and I'd urge all pensioners who think they might be eligible after a change to their circumstances in later life to apply. "This support for pensioners comes on top of our commitment to the Triple Lock, boosting the State Pension for millions by up to £1,900 this parliament" According to data, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has seen a steep rise in Pension Credit applications in 2024/25, with 321,000 submissions marking a 28 per cent surge or an additional 69,900 compared to the previous year, reports the Daily Record. After the Government's decision on 29 July 2024 to means-test Winter Fuel Payments, DWP has received 285,600 claims for Pension Credit, which is a substantial 51 per cent increase, equating to 96,200 more than the same timeframe last year. Of these applications, a total of 162,800 have been successful. That is a significant 57 per cent uptick or an additional 58,800 awards when contrasted with the corresponding period a year ago. Commenting on the spike, Stephen Lowe, the group communications director at retirement firm Just Group, said: "The take up of Pension Credit has been subject to a harsh spotlight since the UK Government first limited the Winter Fuel Payments to people who are in receipt of Pension Credit or certain other means-tested benefits." Lowe also noted the positive impact of the initiative, saying: "There has been a significant boost in take-up with more than 162,000 claims awarded since the means-testing of the winter fuel payment was introduced. This is a significant success that will see these low-income pensioner households receiving this much-needed financial support as well as unlocking the gateway to other valuable benefits, like the Winter Fuel Payments and free TV licences for the over-75s." He noted: "The Prime Minister recently confirmed that eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments will be widened, but this should not distract attention from the important job of work to be done to increase the take up of Pension Credit. This benefit is specifically targeted at the poorest pensioners and it remains a concern that there are still around 700,000 families that are eligible for Pension Credit but not claiming it. "These people may be failing to claim for a number of reasons - they may simply be unaware of the benefit, not know how to claim or assume they are not eligible if they own their own home. Just's research conducted this year among people aged over 66 found that four in 10 (40%) homeowners and one in seven (15%) of renters had never checked their benefit entitlement." Speaking further, he said: "The Government's awareness drive is having a positive impact with the number of claims increasing noticeably, but there are people still missing out on this valuable help. "If you think you, or a member of your family, may be entitled to Pension Credit there are a range of free resources to help check eligibility. The government website has links to useful third-party calculators while other good sources are Citizens Advice, local councils and charities." Who can claim Pension Credit? There are two types of Pension Credit - Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. To be eligible for Guarantee Pension Credit, you must have reached the State Pension age of 66. Your weekly income needs to be less than the minimum amount that the UK Government has determined is necessary for living. This is £227.10 for a single person and £346.60 for a couple - these amounts could be higher if you're disabled, a carer or have certain housing costs. Savings Credit can only be received if: you reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016, or you have a partner who reached State Pension age before this date and was already receiving it How much could you potentially receive from DWP? Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income to: £227.10 for a single person £346.60 for a couple (married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting) You might be able to receive more than this if you're disabled or a carer, or you have certain housing costs. Savings Credit can give you up to: £17.30 a week for a single person £19.36 a week for a couple (married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting). ll get depends on your income and savings. Your income includes assumed income from savings and capital over £10,000. How to determine eligibility for Pension Credit Older people, or their friends and family, can quickly check their eligibility and get an estimate of what they may receive by using the online Pension Credit calculator on here. Alternatively, pensioners can contact the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234 - lines are open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Expert help and advice is also available from: Independent Age Income Max Citizens Advice Age UK More details about claiming Pension Credit can be fond on here. Additional help if you receive Pension Credit If you qualify for Pension Credit you can also receive other help, such as: Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in Support for Mortgage Interest if you own the property you live in Council Tax discount Free TV licence if you are aged 75 or over Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments Help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme, Winter Fuel Payments or Pension Age Winter Heating Payment A discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you are moving house Mixed aged older couples and Pension Credit In May 2019, the law was altered so that a 'mixed age couple' - a pair where one partner is of State Pension age and the other isn't - are deemed to be a 'working age' couple when assessing entitlement to means-tested benefits. This implies they can't claim Pension Credit or pension age Housing Benefit until both are of State Pension age. Prior to this DWP alteration, a mixed age couple could be eligible to claim the more generous State Pension age benefits when just one of them reached State Pension age. How to use the Pension Credit calculator To use the calculator on you will need details of: earnings, benefits and pensions savings and investments You'll need the same details for your partner if you have one. You will be presented by a series of questions with multiple choice answer options. This includes: Your date of birth Your residential status Where in the UK you live Whether you are registered blind Which benefits you currently receive How much you receive each week for any benefits you get Whether someone is paid Carer's Allowance to look after you How much you get each week from pensions - State Pension, private and work pensions Any employment earnings Any savings, investments or bonds you have Once you've answered these questions, a summary screen displays your responses, allowing you to go back and alter any answers before submitting. The Pension Credit calculator then shows how much benefit you could receive each week. All you have to do then is follow the link to the application page to find out exactly what you will get from the DWP, including access to other financial support. There's also an option to print off the responses you provide using the calculator tool to help you fill out the application form more swiftly without having to search for the same details again. Give the Pension Credit Calculator a go for yourself or a family member to ensure you're receiving all the financial support you're entitled to claim. Who can't use the Pension Credit calculator? You cannot use the calculator if you or your partner: are deferring your State Pension own more than one property are self employed have housing costs (such as service charges or Crown Tenant rent) which are neither mortgage repayments nor rent covered by Housing Benefit How to make a claim You can start your application up to four months before you reach State Pension age. You can claim any time after you reach State Pension age but your claim can only be backdated for three months. This means you can get up to three months of Pension Credit in your first payment if you were eligible during that time. You will need: your National Insurance number information about your income, savings and investments your bank account details, if you're applying by phone or by post If you're backdating your claim, you'll need details of your income, savings and investments on the date you want your claim to start. Apply online You can use the online service if: you have already claimed your State Pension there are no children or young people included in your claim To check your entitlement, phone the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234 or use the Pension Credit calculator here to find out how much you could get.
Reuters
13 hours ago
- Reuters
UK's Reeves says more pensioners will receive winter fuel payments this year
LONDON, June 4 (Reuters) - British finance minister Rachel Reeves said on Wednesday more pensioners will receive winter fuel payments this winter, following the government's U-turn on the widely criticised cuts in the payments to the elderly. "People should be in no doubt that ... more people will get winter fuel payment this winter," Reeves told a press conference in northwest England.
Scottish Sun
15 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
I visited a little-known supermarket where you can buy McDonald's and M&S surplus stock but it costs HALF the price
I got £30 worth of groceries for under £10 - see all the pictures of items you can buy from my visit to the shop CHECK IT OUT I visited a little-known supermarket where you can buy McDonald's and M&S surplus stock but it costs HALF the price Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EVERYONE is feeling the pinch at the supermarket checkout - but there's one retailer that is helping shoppers with bargain prices. I got nearly £30 worth of food for just £10 when I visited The Company Shop branch in Southampton. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 The Sun's Laura McGuire visited Southampton's Company Shop to see how much she could save on her grocery shop 9 The till was loaded with loads of pricey branded goods - including McCains oven chips and a posh M&S pork loin - but the total came in at under a £10 9 Company Shop is packed with loads of popular treats like Twix bars - but they are packaged differently and often sold in bulk Credit: Solent 9 Company Shop stocks well known brands customers are familiar with such as Heniz Beanz Credit: Solent The retailer, which has 13 branches around the UK, has gone viral on TikTok for selling food from big name brands like Tesco, M&S, Asda and even McDonald's at mega cheap prices. The retailer buys up surplus stock - from well-known suppliers - that would otherwise be going to waste and sell it back to shoppers at a low price. Sometimes, products may also be sold in damaged packaging or broken slightly but the goods are completely safe to eat. Customers need to register for a free membership card to get inside the store and spend. To qualify, you need to be claiming means tested benefits - such as Pension Credit - or work in sectors such as the NHS or fire brigade. Locations include shops in Grimsby, Bradford, St Helens and Corby. The first thing I saw as I headed into the shop was a row of shelves stocking popular seasoning kits and sauces made by Tesco and Sainsbury's. These are a staple in my house, so you can imagine my joy when I spotted a Tesco Thai Style Red Curry Rice Bake Flavour Kit for 95p. These typically cost £1.85, so that is a saving of 90p. I made a weeks worth of sandwiches for just 30p - my hack means I have my lunch sorted whenever I need it, people think it's revolting but it saves me money I was impressed with all the meat on offer, even though I'm a veggie, I know how expensive adding protein to your shopping bill can be and I spotted loads of offers. A giant 2.27kg smoked catering bacon was scanning for £9, when I have seen it priced for £16 elsewhere. A litre of Yeo Valley milk normally costs over £2 but at Company shop it cost just 80p. The fruit and veg aisle was also stacked with fresh produce and M&S bread was available to buy for just 40p. What I bought when I visited The Company Shop HERE's what I bought versus how much they would've cost at my local supermarket: McCain's Home Chips Straight £2 instead of £4.30 Clementine 600g - £0.50 instead of £1.34 Mini Watermelon - £0.50 instead of £2.30 Gü Cookies N Cream Dessert - £1.75 instead of £3.75 M&S Pepper Crust Pork - £2.75 instead of £5 M&S Petit Pois and Carrots - £0.75 instead of £3.50 M&S New Potatoes Vegetables - £0.35 instead of £3.20 Yorkie Original 3x46 - £0.75 instead of £2.25 Custard Creams 600g - £0.50 instead of 65p Total saving: £16.44 TASTY TREATS No grocery shop is complete without adding a few sweet treats to your basket, so I was very eager to see what Company Shop had to offer. My eyes were immediately drawn to the massive 600g bags of orange flavoured Kit Kat's scanning for just £2. The Nestle chocolate is not in the typical red packaging you expect, but instead clear plastic bags. COMPANY SHOP LOCATIONS Bradford Corby Darlington Dudley Grimsby Leicester Long Eaton Middleton Renfrew Southampton Washington Wentworth (Barnsley) That's because a few in the package may be broken, but the snack is still completely safe to eat. You can't deny the saving too. Typically, a 160g multipack of the bars cost £2.20. But here, you get an extra 440g of food for 20p less. MCDONALD'S FREEZER FOOD Heading over the freezer aisle, I was so impressed to see McCains Home Cut chips scanning for just £2. These were once a favourite of mine, but the price has rocketed to over £4 at my local supermarket so I have steered clear of the crispy delight for a while. But there was one thing on my mind as I approached the frozen section of the store. Prior to my visit to Company Shop I heard rumours stores sold huge bags of frozen McDonald's food, like chips, nuggets and even the limited edition McRib. So I knew I needed to check for myself and see if it was true. To my surprise, I found a massive 1kg bag of Garlic Cheese bites for just £5. Sparks food at a budget price By Laura McGuire JANE WATTS, 67, is a retired NHS worker who has been shopping at the branch since it opened back in 2021. She tells The Sun she likes to visit the store about two or three times a week and finds it a great place to nab cheap washing powder and soap. One of her favourite shops is M&S and she finds the store is a great place to find Sparks food at a budget price. It is not only Jane who has been making a saving, over 13,000 people in the area have a membership with Company Shop. Better yet, the stores across the promises to sell food for at least 50% off what you would pay in store. The delicious side has not been on Maccie's menu for months so it was a surprise to see. McDonald's began its relationship with The Company Shop during the pandemic and gives food that would be going to waste to the retailer. In the past, customers have even spotted rare limited edition menu items in the stores long after it had been pulled from the fast food chain. That includes the famous McRib patties which were being sold for £2.50 per 1kg. If you live nearby a Company Shop and you're eligible to join, it seems like a no-brainer. But the only thing I worried about was whether I'd have enough freezer and cupboard space to stash items on a regular basis. Most of the produce is sold in bulk - but you could split it with a friend if you were worried about not having enough storage. The Sun has been told there are no current plans to open more Company Shops in the coming months. But the group also runs a sister organisation known as Community Shop, which run a further 14 locations across the UK. These stores are exclusively for people claiming means tested benefits and offers the chance to buy a grocery shop for a third of the price. Unlike, the Company Shop it also offers other services such as training and personal development and cafe serving discounted meals for the community. 9 A big bag of Kit Kat orange chocolate, some of the pieces may be broken but the treat tastes the same Credit: Solent 9 Yeo Valley milk scanning for 80p, a product that costs £1.95 at Waitrose Credit: Solent 9 Expect to see fancy meats - like this Morrisons slow cooked pork belly - in the chilled aisle. Credit: Solent 9 McDonald's gives food that would otherwise be going to waste to Company Shop, giving customers a chance to find frozen goodies from the Golden Arches Credit: Solent 9 Plenty of posh M&S grub to be found in the frozen aisle, including these Yorkshire Puddings for half off Credit: Solent
