APPLY FOR WINTER FUEL ALLOWANCE

Angus MP, Mike Weir, is reminding older Angus constituents who have not received the Winter Fuel Allowance before, but are eligible, to contact the Winter Fuel Allowance Helpline by 22nd September to receive it in time for Christmas.

However, Mr Weir also attacked the UK Government for neglecting to increase the payment, which could have helped cushion fuel price rises by energy companies.

Mr Weir who fears more pensioners will fall into fuel poverty with the higher energy prices, said:

“Those who have previously received the Winter Fuel Allowance and have no changes in their circumstances should automatically have this payment forwarded to them.  This should also be the case for those who have just recently started receiving the state pension or other qualifying social security benefit.

“However, with Scotland about to head into the longer and colder nights it is vital that elderly constituents outwith these two groups contact the Winter Fuel Allowance Helpline as soon as possible as they may still be eligible.

“Although the Winter Fuel Allowance goes a little way in helping the elderly pay their winter fuel bills, the ever increasing price rises by energy companies is making a complete mockery of the amount given by the Government.

“The allowance is now nowhere near sufficient to meet these higher fuel bills and I fear that without an increase in the Winter Fuel Allowance the value will continue to decrease, meaning more pensioners either falling into fuel poverty or endangering their wellbeing as they are too frightened to heat their home.”

The Winter Fuel Allowance Helpline number is 0845 9 15 15 15 and is open between 8.30am until 4.30pm Monday to Friday.