Lincolnshire pensioners struggling to stay warm
It comes following cuts to winter fuel payments and a rise in energy bills
A Lincolnshire couple have been struggling to keep their home warm amid rising energy bills.
Jim has had multiple heart attacks and strokes in the past decade and his wife Chris has developed arthritis, making it necessary for them both to stay warm during the cold winter months.
Chris said: “As the weather was really starting to turn cold we were dreading the cold and the cost of heating, especially with losing our Winter Fuel Payments."
After attending their monthly warm space the couple were introduced to The Green Doctor.
The Green Doctor service offers home visits and provides vital advice to take control of energy bills. They provide energy saving measures and support to access other services, such as benefits, grant funding, debt advice, or emergency supplies.
Chris added:
“He understood our problems immediately. He looked at our utility bills and said that because of Jim’s health issues, we are eligible for a 50% discount with Anglian Water. This has saved us hundreds of pounds, which can now be used to put the heating on more.”
Jim said:
“On top of us being able to keep the house warmer, The Green Doctor gave me a heated blanket which keeps me extra warm to help my health."
The service also checked for damp in the house and installed LED bulbs to help with small savings over the year.
In September last year it was announced that the government were changing the rules for Winter Fuel Payment so that, from winter 2024/2025, households will no longer be entitled to it unless they receive Pension Credit or certain other means-tested benefits.