Council commits millions to keep Oldhamers warm and fed this winter

• PENSIONERS URGED TO CLAIM MILLIONS THEY’RE ENTITLED TO
• EMERGENCY FOOD AND FUEL PAYMENTS FOR MOST IN NEED
• £200K BOOST FOR TOWN’S CHARITIES AND VOLUNTARY SECTOR

No-one in Oldham need go cold or hungry this winter after Oldham Council announced an emergency package of measures to support those most in need.

Payments will be available to people who can’t afford to heat their homes; food vouchers will be given to families who have children eligible for free school meals over Christmas; tens of thousands of pounds will be given to Oldham Food Bank to help stock their shelves; and £200,000 will be distributed to charities, community groups and faith organisations to help them buy provide warm clothes and essentials to people who use their services.

The total package of support is worth nearly £2.5m.

The council is also urging Oldham pensioners to check if they are entitled to pension credit so they can get more money and receive the winter fuel payment.

We estimate there could be as much as £7.8m sitting in Treasury coffers that should be in Oldham pensioners’ pockets due to unclaimed pension credit as more than 3,200 people aren’t claiming what they are entitled to.

Councillor Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “We have a simple message to everyone in Oldham this winter: do not go cold or hungry.

“We’ve worked with our partners to draw up this multi-million pound package of support to make sure that whenever possible, anyone who needs help will receive it.

“As well as providing support directly to our residents we’re aiming to help them maximise their income. Pension credits are an example of this where millions are going unclaimed that people can rightfully take. There’s no stigma attached to this and we want the message to be clear – if you are eligible then this is your money to have and spend on what you like.

“Even if you think you’re not eligible for support you should check to make sure. If you aren’t eligible then there are still other ways we can help. Our teams are here to offer advice and guidance so please reach out to us.”

The cash boost has come thanks to the government’s Household Support Fund. The fund is designed to support vulnerable households in most need and will supplement the council’s wider ongoing work to support residents at risk from the cost of living and address poverty.

Residents struggling with costs and wanting to find out more about the range of support available should call us on the Oldham Helpline: 0161 770 7007, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, or visit www.oldham.gov.uk/wecanhelp