North Lincolnshire Council to Distribute Appliances to Pensioners to Reduce Energy Costs

North Lincolnshire Council has announced plans to provide free air fryers or slow cookers to pensioners in the area. The Conservative-led authority stated this initiative is a direct response to the government’s restrictions on winter fuel payments. These energy-efficient appliances are scheduled for distribution in the new year. This follows an earlier announcement by North Lincolnshire Council regarding a £200 payment to approximately 3,000 pensioners who receive council tax relief but do not meet the criteria for the fuel payment. Council leader Rob Waltham commented, “We know many pensioners are struggling and relied on the winter fuel payment at the time of year when energy bills soar.“The £200 will go some way to help but we want to do more, to help older people eat healthy and at the same time reduce their energy bills by using things like air fryers.” In addition to the complimentary appliances, healthy cooking courses will be offered. The council confirmed that funding for both the cooking equipment and the £200 payments will be sourced from the government’s Household Support Fund.