Barnsley Council Cabinet members will be asked to approve the Household Support Fund (HSF) for Barnsley, funded by the UK Government, ensuring vital help is available through the challenging winter months. 

Cllr Sir Steve Houghton, Leader of Barnsley Council, said, “This is Barnsley Council is 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.

“We’ve identified 2,400 people who are entitled to Pension Credit, but we know that there might be more across the borough. We’re writing to the people we know are eligible, and we’ll 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 is a crucial lifeline for some of our most vulnerable residents, providing them with the help they need to stay safe and warm. We’re launching a take-up campaign for Pension Credit and offering drop-in sessions to help with applications. For more information about the Household Support Fund, Pension Credit application help, and other available support, visit our More Money in Your Pocket webpage – www.barnsley.gov.uk/MMIYP