Report for October from Bill Handley, South Cambs District Councillor (SCDC)
Winter Fuel Payments and Pension Credit
One of the first significant things the government has done since the election is to issue new rules on winter fuel payments which means that only those in receipt of Pension Tax Credits can receive the extra annual winter payment. Pension Credit is worth, on average, £3,900 per year and, apart from the Winter Fuel Payment, it also unlocks additional support such as help with Council Tax and a free TV licence for those over 75. The rules on backdating claims mean it is possible for individuals to apply for Pension Credit and have their claim backdated by up to three months (if they were entitled to claim during that time). This means that the latest date to apply for Pension Credit and still qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment is 21 December 2024.
There are many people who are entitled to Pension Tax Credits but do not claim it, so SCDC is working to identify these people and to remind them that they have the opportunity to apply. If you know of anyone who may be in this position, please contact me and I will connect them to the right SCDC officers.
The Department for Work and Pensions has produced a toolkit to support councils to ensure older people understand how they can get Pension Credit. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pension-credit-toolkit
Household Support Fund
Related to the issue mentioned above, it’s good to report that the government has announced an extension to the Household Support Fund to help councils support struggling households with bills and essential costs. The £421 million extension gives certainty to SCDC and other councils in England over the winter months (the funding is in place until April 2025) as they work to help those struggling with the cost of energy, food and water. Pensioners and others struggling to heat their homes or afford other essential items over the colder months should contact their council to see what support may be available to them (as above, I can direct them, if necessary). Details on the latest scheme will be communicated more widely in the coming weeks.
Local Climate Action Conference 2024
SCDC is holding its second Local Climate Action Conference 2024. It is being held from 11-3pm on Tuesday 19 November at The Hub, High Street, Cambourne, CB23 6GW. The event is open to the public and hopes to welcome parish councils, community groups, charities and interested individuals – anyone working to meet the challenges of the climate and nature emergencies. If you wish to attend, please RSVP by Tuesday 5 November 2024 here: https://tinyurl.com/587j635n6
Combined Authority Bus Consultation
Our villages suffer from poor bus services, so I make no apology for repeating this information. The Combined Authority is currently running a consultation on proposals for a new framework of services which will run until 20 November 2024. I encourage residents to give the authority their views. Details can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/3m75ysdn
SCDC is now a White Ribbon organisation
SCDC has become White Ribbon Accredited in recognition of its commitment to preventing harassment, abuse and violence against women and girls. It is committed to working towards ending violence against women by becoming accredited and aligning with White Ribbon UK, the leading charity engaging men and boys to end violence against women.
Bill Handley
Phone: 01954 200287 (leave a message). Email: cllr.handley@scambs.gov.uk
