WINTER fuel support for around 1,300 elderly and vulnerable Inverclyde residents is on the way thanks to a new £600,000 council fund.
Members of Inverclyde Council’s policy and resources committee unanimously approved proposals to provide a one-off £200 payment to eligible older people who have low incomes.
Payments will be available to older residents who already receive certain benefits and will come off their council tax bills.
Depute council leader Councillor Natasha McGuire said: “With temperatures plummeting this week, this is a timely intervention to help older people during the harsh winter months and put some money back in their pockets.
“We have a proud record as a council of supporting the most vulnerable in society and in recent times have provided the likes of a one-off cost of living grant and established the Warm Hand of Friendship initiative, which has been extended for another three years.
“This new fuel poverty fund is another example of our commitment to helping those who need it the most during challenging times and enhancing our reputation as a caring and compassionate place for all.”
Eligible residents will be contacted over the coming days.
The aim is to provide a credit to the 2024/25 council tax account before Christmas which will result in reductions in Council Tax instalments for the remainder of 2024/25 and free up household income to meet fuel bills.
The Pension Age Fuel Poverty Payment is for winter 2024 only but the proposal will be reviewed along with other available supports in the run-up to winter 2025.
Funding has been allocated from the council’s existing anti-poverty fund towards the new two-year fuel poverty fund.
