Cheryl Gillan MP: The cost of keeping warm

Dec 15 2011 by Lawrence Poole, Buckinghamshire Advertiser

THE global rise in fossil fuel prices is reflected in the cost of the gas and electricity we use to heat our homes. Although we have had a mild autumn this year, by this time in 2010 we had snowfalls.

So I know that there will be people who worry about the cost of paying for heating during the winter months.

It is particularly important that pensioners should keep warm because the cold can make them vulnerable to illness.

The universal benefits for pensioners are confirmed – that is, the winter fuel payment and cold weather payments. The budget for the winter fuel payment will remain as budgeted for under the previous government. The cold weather payment (linked to the temperature and thus paid out during periods of extreme cold) has been increased permanently from £8.50 to £25.

For pensioners who are concerned that they might fall into the category of fuel poverty it is always worth checking whether they will qualify for benefits.

There are benefits which can help them to meet the expense of heating. This year, pensioners on the pension credit guarantee will receive the Warm Home Discount.

This mandatory scheme will give them an annual rebate of at least £120 off their electricity bills. There will also be some support available for other groups.

Not everyone who is entitled to these benefits claims them, so it is worth double-checking about your eligibility.

The Home Heat Helpline has been contacting constituency MPs to advise that their freephone service is available on 0800 33 66 99 to assist those who are worried about fuel bills.

They told me that one in 10 people is entitled to some help with winter heating.

May I wish all readers a Happy Christmas and, whatever our weather, a warm New Year.