Launch of the Brighton & Hove Fuel Payment for older people struggling with energy costs
We are making extra financial support available this winter through the Brighton & Hove Fuel Payment for people of pensionable age in Brighton & Hove who are struggling to pay energy bills.
We’re also urging residents to check if they are eligible for Pension Credit using the government’s Pension Credit calculator and apply for Pension Credit on the gov.uk website. Successful claims put in before 21 December will be back-dated, meaning residents will be able to receive this year’s winter fuel payment.
Through the council’s new programme of support, we can help older people with:
- providing one-off direct financial support if you are struggling to heat your home or pay your energy bills
- checking your eligibility for Pension Credit and Winter Fuel Payments and help to make an application
- energy advice on keeping warm in an affordable way this winter
We’re encouraging all older residents worried about energy bills this winter to get in touch.
Find out more
If you’re of pensionable age and in need of extra financial support this winter, complete our request for help and support online form or call our Community Hub helpline on 01273 293117 and select option 2.
The Community Hub helpline is open from 10am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
The Brighton & Hove Fuel Payment support is funded through the government’s Household Support Fund and forms part of the Brighton & Hove Fairness Fund.
The fairness fund was set up to bring together a range of funding streams to support community groups that offer food banks, help with food vouchers, discretionary payments and other essential items for residents in need. These form a key part of the city’s Cost of Living Plan.
Councillor Mitchie Alexander, chair of the council's new Poverty Reduction Steering Group, said: “We’ve launched the Brighton & Hove Fuel Payment to support older residents struggling with energy costs this winter. We’re also very keen to make sure everyone eligible for Pension Credit is able to claim it.
“We’ve put in place a new team who can help check eligibility for Pension Credit, as well as provide direct financial help with energy costs and wider advice on keeping warm this winter.
“The support comes through our Fairness Fund, a key part of our action plan to support communities in the city who are struggling with the cost of living.
“We very much welcome the news that the government will be continuing the Household Support Fund, so we can continue to provide that vital support.”
Support with the cost of living
You can find information on help and support available on our support with the cost of living web pages.
This includes emergency help and money advice, information on eligibility for discounts on energy bills, and advice and tips and about saving energy and keeping your home warm.
We’ve also got information on health and wellbeing support.
