Lincolnshire sees more than 200% increase in search for help following winter fuel payment announcement

Lincolnshire has seen a 200%-plus jump in searches for winter fuel payment advice, as the majority of pensioners face losing the benefit.

The county saw a 271.34% rise in searches for advice, following changes announced by the Government that will mean only those born before September 23, 1958 and on pension credit or means-tested benefits get the payment.

Before the announcement, in July, the average number of searches for help with this payment was 9,170 but this increased to 34,050 post-announcement in Lincolnshire, according to data from in data from Mobile Annexe Ltd.

Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire is also starting to see an increase in people seeking advice, and it anticipates more to come.

Sean Betts, of Citizens Advice, said: “We are seeing the general increase begin, including people requesting support about the payments.

“We also understand that there may be some people who fall through the gap, who originally got the payment, which could make winter difficult for them.

“What we can do is encourage advice such as making energy more efficient, getting energy grants and dedicated support for people on prepayment meters.

“We can offer encouragement and crisis support. We encourage people to check their eligibility for pension credit.

“That is something we can offer help for as well. We are here to support people.”

The payment originally meant those born before September 25, 1957, would receive between £200 to £650 to help pay for heating bills.

The new payment now means those eligible will get either £200 or £300.

The announcement has now left pensioners fearful they will not be able to afford their energy bills.

Overall in England, there was a 436.56% increase in searches for help, increasing from 275,620 pre-announcement to 1,478,860 searches post-announcement.

After Lincolnshire, the following counties also saw an increase in searches:

• Leicestershire - 258.63% increase, 5,270 searches increased to 18,880

• Nottinghamshire - 257.34% increase, 7,150 searches increased to 25,550

• Derbyshire - 242.77% increase, 8,910 searches increased to 30,550

• Northamptonshire - 169.86% increase, 6,470 searches increased to 17,460

Rutland saw a 20.79% decrease in searches from 1,010 searches down to 800.

Are you worried about the winter fuel payment announcement? Let us know in the comments below…