To ensure vital help is given during the winter months, Barnsley Council Cabinet members will be asked to approve the Household Support Fund (HSF) for Barnsley, funded by the UK Government.

Leader of the Barnsley Council, Councillor Sir Steve Houghton, said: “This is Barnsley Council stepping in to support our pensioners. 

“Through the government’s extension of the fund, we’ve developed proposals that offer a comprehensive package of support focusing on low-income pensioner households, particularly those no longer eligible for the Winter Fuel Allowance.”

2,400 people have been identified to be entitled to Pension Credit, but the council expects there might be more across the borough.

Barnsley Council will be writing to the people they know are eligible, and will run drop-in sessions across the borough to help people complete their applications and get the Winter Fuel Allowance payment that they’re entitled to.

“We also know that we have many pensioner households that live under the £21,498 national poverty threshold who are not eligible for Pension Credit but are claiming Council Tax support . We’re proposing to give these households £200. This will be an automatic payment, and there’s no need to apply for it.

“We’re also proposing to offer an additional scheme for pensioner households under the £21,498 threshold who are not eligible for Pension Credit and are not claiming Council Tax support.

“We’re proposing that these households will be able to apply for a discretionary £200 payment, which will be available for a limited time and subject to a capped fund.”

The Household Support Fund could be an ‘invaluable lifeline’ for some of Barnsley’s most vulnerable residents, designed to help them stay warm and safe during the winter season. 

Barnsley Council are launching a take-up campaign for Pension Credit, whilst offering drop-in sessions to help with applications. For more information about the Household Support Fund, Pension Credit application help, and other available forms of support, visit Barnsley Council’s More Money in Your Pocket webpage – www.barnsley.gov.uk/MMIYP