By Ethan Davies, with Chris Gee, Charlotte Hall, Declan Carey, Joseph Timan, George Lythgoe, and Nick Jackson.

A third winter in the cost-of-living crisis is just around the corner.

Energy bills have soared since spring 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. When looking at 'typical energy bills', prices spiked in January 2023, when the previous government put a cap of £2,500 per household in place.

However, that cap was lifted last summer, when typical household bills fell below the threshold. The cap for the last three months of this year is just over £1,700 — and British Gas expects it to stay around this figure in early 2025.

However, while bills have fallen since last year, so has the amount of government support for pensioners. Over the summer, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the winter fuel allowance would be cut.

Her decision meant the allowance went from being universally available to all pensioners to only those receiving certain kinds of benefits.

(Image - Unsplash / e24)

In the wake of the move, local authorities across Greater Manchester have urged OAPs who are entitled to pension credit to come forward — as thousands of our elderly are missing out on millions of pounds.

Now, some authorities in Greater Manchester are going one step further. Manchester City Council has launched its own 'hardship fund'.

It will allow pensioners in the city who've lost their winter fuel allowance, but still need help making ends meet, claim up to £200. But that's not the only scheme designed to help the elderly.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service asked every council in Greater Manchester how it is supporting older residents with energy bills this winter.

Stockport council said that it was developing plans for how the government's Household Support Fund — a pot of cash given to each council to help residents in the cost-of-living crisis — will be delivered.  

For the time being, resident support is available through its Cost of living Hub and by calling its cost-of-living advice line. Support includes advice on benefits and debt, support with food and energy bills, council tax payment assistance and applying for pension credit. A spokesperson added: "With the changes to Winter Fuel Payments, we are urging pensioners to check their eligibility for Pension Credit."

~

Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Stockport Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our town.

To get our top stories in your inbox each week, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter HERE.

Please consider following Stockport Nub News on Facebook or Twitter