State pensioners who lose Winter Fuel Allowance will get free £175 'safety net' payment

Thousands of pensioners who are set to miss out on Winter Fuel Payment will get cash help worth £175. State pensioners who have lost their payments from the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) and Labour Party government are due to benefit.

As part of the extended Household Support Fund, Tower Hamlets council has revealed a £1million package of support to help households this winter. Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, said: “Making the Winter Fuel payment means-tested will have a detrimental effect on pensioners who are already facing the rising costs of energy bills.

“This creates a risk that pensioners will not turn their heating on for fear of not being able to pay the bills, which is wrong. This is why we are stepping in and providing a £175 safety net for those who will be missing out.” Tower Hamlets council said it expects nearly 5,000 pensioners to be eligible.

READ MORE Millions of drivers will wake up to £145 bill next week at 'worst possible time'

Cllr Saied Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Resources and the Cost of Living added: “I would firstly encourage all those who are over the age of 66 to claim Pension Credit as it may give you extra income to which you could be entitled, and it can open doors to other benefits such as support with housing costs, Council Tax and heating bills.

“Our popular Warm Hubs will also return this winter to provide a safe space for residents to have a hot drink and access support, or just read a book and socialise.” Last winter staff at our six warm hubs served up thousands of cups of tea, coffee, and healthy snacks to tackle fuel poverty and social isolation.

There are an estimated 109,898 missed benefits claims in Tower Hamlets totalling over £110 million in unclaimed support from the DWP and local authority in London.