A third winter in the cost-of-living crisis is just around the corner – and the council has said how it will help those in need as cold weather arrives.

Energy bills have soared since spring 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

When looking at "typical energy bills", prices spiked in January last year, 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, then-new 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.

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.

In September, the council passed a motion in the light of the winter fuel payment cut on funding for drop-in centres for older residents.

The council has resolved to work with community organisations and churches throughout Bury to provide funding to cover the costs of hosting "warm hub drop-in centres" for residents seeking either a warm space or advice on available help. 

They will also invite organisations such as Age UK and Citizens Advice to provide help and advice on eligibility and completion of forms for pension credit, attendance allowance, council tax relief and carers allowance.

The council will also send a letter to all residents over the age of 66 to inform them of the deadline of December 21 for submitting a claim for pension credit in order that they may receive the full three months of backdated benefits.