Cash to help pensioners’ rising costs

Herefordshire pensioners on low incomes can expect financial support soon to help them through the cost of living crisis.

Herefordshire Council announced at the start of July that it was to get £1.3 million from the Government’s Household Support Fund, at least one-third of which had to be used to help pensioners.

The council is now asking those who receive pension credit guarantee to look out for a letter confirming they will be given £170 to help them pay essential bills.

It previously said it expected a further third of the fund to go to families with children.

Earlier this month, the council announced that 11 voluntary groups around the county would share nearly a quarter of a million pounds from the fund, which they would then use to help those in need in their communities.

The council’s Talk Community initiative has meanwhile set up Money on your Mind (MOYM) webpages, giving advice and tips on how to manage money and where to go for further support.

The council’s cabinet member for health and adult wellbeing Coun Pauline Crockett said: “I’m very pleased we’re able to provide some help and support to very vulnerable groups during this difficult time.

“I strongly advise everyone who is finding it difficult to pay their bills to visit the MOYM webpages to learn what help is available to them.”