Additional 3,000 pensioners in Cornwall to receive financial support

An additional 3,000 pensioners in low-income households in Cornwall are among those set to receive payments to help with the cost of living crisis.

This follows Cornwall Council securing £4.5 million from the Department for Work and Pensions.

Payments of £80 per person will be made automatically to those eligible, including pensioners receiving council tax support and vulnerable adults on low incomes.

Cornwall Council says that, in a change to the way Household Support Funds are allocated, this latest round will see £80 payments made to pensioners in receipt of council tax support; previously, only those receiving pension credit were eligible for the payments.

A payment of £80 per child will also be made to low-income households claiming council tax support.

In addition, Cornwall Council will continue to work with organisations such as Citizens Advice Cornwall, Age UK, Cornwall Rural Community Charity, Cornwall Community Foundation, and Disability Cornwall to ensure other financially vulnerable residents are assisted where appropriate.

The latest round of funding will run until 31 March 2025 and aims to provide urgent support to those most in need as living costs continue to rise.

It will primarily assist low-income households in covering the costs of essentials such as energy bills, water bills, and food.

Cllr Dr Andy Virr, Portfolio Holder for Adults and Public Health, said: “I’m delighted that we have secured this additional funding. It’s vital that we continue to support those most in need across Cornwall, particularly as we head into the winter months."