Mayor Lutfur Rahman Announces Winter Emergency Fund for Tower Hamlets Pensioners In a bold move to support the borough’s most vulnerable residents, Mayor Lutfur Rahman has unveiled a Winter Emergency Fund during a recent Cabinet meeting. This initiative aims to provide crucial financial assistance to those who have been affected by changes to the national Winter Fuel Payment scheme.

The New Support Package The Winter Emergency Fund will offer a one-off payment of £175 to eligible pensioners in Tower Hamlets. This forms part of a larger £1 million support package, which includes contributions from the government’s Household Support Fund (HSF).

Changes to the National Winter Fuel Payment The introduction of this local fund comes in response to significant changes in the national Winter Fuel Allowance program. The central government has implemented means-testing for the allowance, drastically reducing the number of eligible recipients from 11.4 million to just 1.5 million people. This change affects individuals over the age of 66 who previously received the payment regardless of their financial situation.

Pension Credit Uptake Initiative In addition to the emergency fund, Tower Hamlets Council is launching a campaign to increase the uptake of Pension Credit among eligible residents. An estimated 4,500 people in the borough qualify for this benefit but are not currently claiming it. The council is urging these residents to apply for Pension Credit before the December 21 deadline, as it could provide them with:

• Eligibility for a £200-£300 Winter Fuel Payment from the central government • A potential boost to their annual income on an ongoing basis.

This initiative will fill the gap left by changes in national policy and ensure that vulnerable pensioners receive the assistance they need to stay warm and comfortable during the winter months. The Winter Emergency Fund is a testament to the local government’s responsiveness to the needs of its residents, particularly in the face of evolving national policies. As the winter approaches, this timely intervention will undoubtedly provide a lifeline to many pensioners in Tower Hamlets who might otherwise struggle with rising energy costs.