EVERY pensioner in Leicester who claims pension credit is to receive a voucher for £100 which they can redeem at any Post Office to help with their costs for fuel and food. The city council will be sending the vouchers using money from the Government’s Household Support Fund.
The council has received £3.4m from the Government to allocate to those most in need of help with rising living costs. One third of the money must be spent on pensioners.
The rest of the fund will be shared out based on referrals from professionals such as social workers, school staff and neighbourhood housing officers. Funding will also be given to support foodbanks in the city.
People and families who are referred to the council could be given e-vouchers that can be used towards utility bills; converted into gift cards for use at local supermarkets; or used to buy school uniforms.
The council may also be able to provide credit towards utility bills; the purchase of cookers, washing machines and other white goods; and in exceptional cases make rent payments directly to an account or landlord.
Leicester deputy city mayor Cllr Sarah Russell said: “This money is available to help with a range of needs, and we’re asking our staff who are based in communities to refer people and families to us who are most urgently in need of support.
“If you are struggling with money please talk to your social worker or child’s school if you have one, and ask to be referred for this fund. Council tenants can speak to their local housing officers, and income management officers who help people to manage debt can also make referrals on their behalf.
“Pensioners on low income who receive the pension credit benefit will automatically receive vouchers, so don’t need a referral.
“I urge everyone to check they are receiving all of the benefits they are entitled to, including Pension Credit, as we know that many of these benefits still go unclaimed.”
The fund is open for referrals until 4 September 2022. More details are on the council’s website at www.leicester.gov.uk/householdsupportfund
More information on other support available from Leicester City Council can be found at www.leicester.gov.uk/benefits.