Justin Tomlinson MP and fiancee Jo Wheeler visit the elderly residents of Maple
Court earlier in the year
Justin Tomlinson MP today welcomed the news from Steve Webb, Minister of State for Pensions, that 19,400 residents in North Swindon will be in receipt of the Winter Fuel Payment from the Government this winter.
More than 36,500 people in Swindon will receive help with their winter fuel bills through the Payment, which will reach nearly eleven million people this winter.
The Winter Fuel Payment offers up to £300 to help the elderly, who are amongst the most vulnerable in society, with their heating bills, ensuring that they keep warm during the colder months.
The Government will continue to protect key support for pensioners including Winter Fuel Payments, free prescriptions, free eye tests and bus passes. This year, the Government has also introduced the Warm Home Discount, a mandatory scheme to give pensioners on Pension Credit Guarantee annual rebates of at least £120 off their electricity bills, providing further assistance to some of the most vulnerable in our society.
Justin Tomlinson MP said “The elderly are particularly vulnerable in cold weather and I am really pleased that the Government continues to support so many of our pensioners with their fuel bills over the winter, including nearly twenty thousand in North Swindon alone. This was one of the promises we made at the election, which along with our promises on the free bus pass and TV licence, we have made sure we’ve delivered on, despite our difficult economic situation.”