Pensioners in North Lincolnshire can get a free air fryer or slow cooker following the loss of the winter fuel allowance for the vast majority.
The council has already committed to providing the most vulnerable pensioners with £200, and now all pensioners across the area will be eligible to receive free healthy cooking appliances.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We know many pensioners are struggling and relied on the winter fuel payment at the time of year when energy bills soar. The £200 will go some way to help but we want to do more, to help older people eat healthily and at the same time reduce their energy bills by using things like air fryers.
“Thousands of pensioners will be able to get a free energy efficient cooking appliance and have access to healthy cooking lessons. All they have to do is register on the form or pop into one of our hubs where the staff can register for them once they are registered, in the coming weeks we will be out and about delivering them.”
Hubs are available in Ashby, Barton, Brigg, Crowle, Epworth and Scunthorpe. The council also offers an energy switching service, open access libraries which serve as warm locations, packages for older people in leisure, investment in older and disabled persons’ free bus pass and provides free car parking.
Approximately 3,000 pensioners on council tax relief, who are not recipients of the winter fuel payment, will be granted £200. There’s no need to apply as all those eligible will receive a letter which can be exchanged for the £200 at any post office.
The healthy cooking appliances and courses will become available early next year, with one per household.
The funding for these appliances and the £200 will be sourced from the Government’s Household Support Fund.
Pensioners keen on receiving an air fryer or slow cooker can express their interest by filling out this form, visiting a community hub, or dialling 01724 297000.
Original artice: https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/all-about/scunthorpe
