With this winter predicted to be one of the coldest for several years, Age Concern Suffolk is urging frailer or less mobile older people, who may be more susceptible to the cold, to take extra precautions to stay warm.
Daphne Savage, Chief Executive of Age Concern Suffolk said, “Anyone who is cutting back on basics such as food and heating because they're concerned about high electricity and gas bills should call one of our Help Centres for advice. Our friendly staff will be happy to chat about their concerns and help resolve problems. Our Ipswich Help Centre is on 01473 257039 (Mon-Fri, 9 am - 5 pm); Bury St Edmunds on 01284 757750 (Mon-Fri, 9.30 am - 1 pm); and Lowestoft on 01502 586308 (Mon-Fri, 9.30 am - 1 pm). Also, people should check that they are receiving all the benefits to which they are entitled and our Benefits Helpline on 01449 674222 (Mon-Fri, 9 am - 5 pm) will be delighted to do that for them. What older people absolutely must not do - is to turn their heating down or off when they most need to keep warm.”
Mrs Savage continued “There is some help available with heating your home. Most people aged 60 or over are entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment‚ paid by the Government to assist with heating costs. Previous recipients should get the payment automatically, and most payments were made prior to Christmas. If you have not received the payment before‚ contact the Winter Fuel Payment helpline for further details: 08459 15 15 15.
If you get Pension Credit you may receive an extra cold-weather payment during periods of prolonged cold temperatures. This year you will get £25 when the average temperature where you live is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees Celsius or below, over seven consecutive day during the period from 1 November to 31 March. Specified Meteorological Office weather stations are used to obtain this information. This amount is paid automatically to those who are entitled to it.
It is also possible to reduce your fuel bills by improving your energy efficiency at home. Age Concern has a useful booklet entitled “Save more, pay less” which is available, free of charge, from the offices mentioned above. This includes a range of energy saving suggestions.