17/01/2006
Chancellor announces cold weather support for pensioners
Chancellor Gordon Brown has set out a programme of increased financial support and assistance from the Government to help older people keep “warm, healthy and safe” through the winter.
Speaking before a meeting with a pensioners group in Streatham, South London, Mr Brown said: "I am today announcing details of the extra £300 million of new measures to help pensioners through the cold weather.
"All pensioners who need their homes insulated or require central heating will now be able to benefit from either free or discounted installation of central heating and insulation. We estimate that there are two million pensioner homes without insulation and half a million pensioner homes without central heating.
"Because I do not want any pensioner to go cold we will now do more than ever before to help pensioners through the winter months.
"Our measures back up the Winter Fuel Allowance of at least £200 for pensioner households - paid every year.”
Emphasising that pensioners should not be afraid to turn up their heating, Mr Brown said: "I am reiterating today that if in the coming weeks there is a danger of a very cold spell of weather the Met Office will advise pensioners so that they can turn up their heating and, in addition, the most vulnerable will receive additional help worth up to £8.50 a week in particularly cold and severe weather.
"The fact is that thousands of pensioners are already receiving free or discounted installation of central heating every month under our expanded Warm Front programme. And now we are allocating an extra £300 million to extend this support and persuade energy companies to join us in providing free or discounted insulation. We are telling all pensioners today how they can get help under our programme to keep warm and keep their fuel bills down."
(GB)
Speaking before a meeting with a pensioners group in Streatham, South London, Mr Brown said: "I am today announcing details of the extra £300 million of new measures to help pensioners through the cold weather.
"All pensioners who need their homes insulated or require central heating will now be able to benefit from either free or discounted installation of central heating and insulation. We estimate that there are two million pensioner homes without insulation and half a million pensioner homes without central heating.
"Because I do not want any pensioner to go cold we will now do more than ever before to help pensioners through the winter months.
"Our measures back up the Winter Fuel Allowance of at least £200 for pensioner households - paid every year.”
Emphasising that pensioners should not be afraid to turn up their heating, Mr Brown said: "I am reiterating today that if in the coming weeks there is a danger of a very cold spell of weather the Met Office will advise pensioners so that they can turn up their heating and, in addition, the most vulnerable will receive additional help worth up to £8.50 a week in particularly cold and severe weather.
"The fact is that thousands of pensioners are already receiving free or discounted installation of central heating every month under our expanded Warm Front programme. And now we are allocating an extra £300 million to extend this support and persuade energy companies to join us in providing free or discounted insulation. We are telling all pensioners today how they can get help under our programme to keep warm and keep their fuel bills down."
(GB)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 January 2004
Stay warm, claim your entitlements: OAPs urged
With temperatures forecast to plummet across the UK this week, older and vulnerable people have been urged to ensure that they are claiming all their winter payment entitlements and to be aware of current health advice. About eight million households, some 11.
Stay warm, claim your entitlements: OAPs urged
With temperatures forecast to plummet across the UK this week, older and vulnerable people have been urged to ensure that they are claiming all their winter payment entitlements and to be aware of current health advice. About eight million households, some 11.
19 March 2008
Countdown For Fuel Payments For Pensioners
Over 60s who haven't yet claimed the Winter Fuel Payment have just days to get in touch with The Pension Service to receive help with energy costs. Pensions Minister Mike O'Brien urged older people to get their claim forms in the post before 28 March. The Winter Fuel Payment is £200 for the over 60s rising to £300 for the over 80s.
Countdown For Fuel Payments For Pensioners
Over 60s who haven't yet claimed the Winter Fuel Payment have just days to get in touch with The Pension Service to receive help with energy costs. Pensions Minister Mike O'Brien urged older people to get their claim forms in the post before 28 March. The Winter Fuel Payment is £200 for the over 60s rising to £300 for the over 80s.
06 April 2009
Pensioners Benefit From 5% Increase In State Pension
The weekly full basic State Pension will rise by five per cent from £90.70 to £95.25 from today - almost an extra £5 a week. Around 12 million pensioners will benefit from this increase in their State Pension, the biggest percentage increase since 2001.
Pensioners Benefit From 5% Increase In State Pension
The weekly full basic State Pension will rise by five per cent from £90.70 to £95.25 from today - almost an extra £5 a week. Around 12 million pensioners will benefit from this increase in their State Pension, the biggest percentage increase since 2001.
05 April 2011
Construction Products Exhibition Helps Generate £50 Billion For UK Economy
An exhibition highlighting the strength of the UK construction products industry was today opened at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) by Business Minster Mark Prisk.
Construction Products Exhibition Helps Generate £50 Billion For UK Economy
An exhibition highlighting the strength of the UK construction products industry was today opened at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) by Business Minster Mark Prisk.
21 February 2005
Tories promise to reduce council tax for pensioners
Conservative leader Michael Howard has pledged to reduce council tax payments for pensioners, if the party win at the next General Election. Mr Howard said that, under a Conservative government, households where all adults are aged 65 and over would have their council tax bills halved, up to a maximum value of £500.
Tories promise to reduce council tax for pensioners
Conservative leader Michael Howard has pledged to reduce council tax payments for pensioners, if the party win at the next General Election. Mr Howard said that, under a Conservative government, households where all adults are aged 65 and over would have their council tax bills halved, up to a maximum value of £500.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.