Full list of places handing out free cash after £300 Winter Fuel Payment axe

With millions of people set to miss out on Winter Fuel Payments this year, many will be wondering how they will cope without the £300 in their accounts.

Last year, more than 10 million pensioners were paid the amount. However, in 2024, the number is close to around one million people as Labour makes cost-cutting measures. To help ends meet, some councils are set to hand out money to help those hit hardest through the coming winter months.

Among those is Thurrock Council who have created a new £100,000 pensioner winter support fund. As well as a support fund, Thurrock Cares includes advice for residents to sign up for, and a series of roadshows.

Council leader John Kent said: "We have identified at least £100,000, from the government’s Household Support Fund to help the Thurrock pensioners most in need this winter. We are working to make sure there is a simple and effective process for residents to access help when they need it."

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Cllr Sara Muldowney, Cabinet member for Resources, said: “We want to make sure our residents, especially the borough’s most vulnerable pensioners and families, have access to the help and support they need to stay warm and well this autumn and winter. The council and our partners will be on hand to support residents this winter.

“As well as creating the pensioner winter support fund we will work with Thurrock’s fantastic voluntary and community groups and volunteers to make sure that everyone can keep warm, and get access to the help and support they need.

“We have a brilliant network of libraries, community hubs and our new Purfleet pantry, where people can find a warm space, food, advice and a friendly face, so please don’t be shy – come and see us and make sure you get the help you need.”

Other authorities offering help include Coventry, Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and Medway. Cllr Pete Marland, chair of the Local Government Association’s Economy and Resources Board, told the Sun: “Councils recognise changes to the way winter fuel allowance payments are made will mean some people no longer qualify and may experience difficulties.

“Many councils support local people in this situation with their own local welfare schemes, including using the Household Support Fund which has been recently extended by the government.

“However, councils do want to see a shift away from short term crisis support to investment in services which reduce poverty, improve people’s financial resilience and life chances, underpinned by a sufficiently-resourced national welfare system.”