Rotherham Borough Labour councillors to help 8,000 pensioners on low incomes this winter with a one-off payment of £120.

Councillor Chris Read, Leader of Rotherham Council, said: “As residents across the borough start thinking about turning on the heating, we know that many people are facing real worries about how to afford their bills. By using this grant proactively to support low income pensioner households we want to ensure that we are getting as much support as we can to those who need it. Everyone entitled to the cash should also receive a letter directly through the post explaining why they are receiving it, which hopefully helps to set residents minds at ease. I’d also take the opportunity to remind anyone in a crisis situation because of their energy bills that there is more help available, with details on the Council’s website.”

More than 8,000 Rotherham pensioners on low incomes will receive additional cost of living support payments from Rotherham Council from the 26th September.

The one-off £120 payments will be made to pensioners who receive Local Council Tax support, a means tested benefit. The payments are being made from the Council’s Household Support Fund allocation – funding provided by the Government to Councils to support those most impacted by increasing gas, electric and food prices.

The payments will be made either directly into bank accounts, where the Council has bank details, or by cheque.

If you need support, please see the council website www.rotherham.gov.uk/money-debt-advice for information on other support available with bills, money-saving and debt advice. This includes the Councils Energy Crisis Support Scheme, that provides grant payments of up to £250 for those unable to meet their energy costs.