Guernsey households ‘unaware’ of winter gasoline allowance eligibility | EUROtoday

The Guernsey Community Foundation believes some islanders have no idea they’re eligible to obtain monetary help to assist pay their heating payments.

The Winter Fuel Allowance is a weekly fee of as much as £42.42. from the States of Guernsey, meant to help low-income households to pay for heating throughout the colder months.

Chief government Jim Roberts stated: “I know there are families out there that are struggling with the cost, and they will not be aware that there is a support system in place.”

The Committee for Employment & Social Security has been contacted for remark.

A survey the Guernsey Community Foundation carried out final 12 months discovered 5% of islanders usually go with out necessities like heating or meals.

Roberts stated: “Whether you’re renting a place or you own a place, you have to pay the bills to heat that place.”

“There is a persistent stereotype about winter fuel costs – you tend to call to mind an older couple or a pensioner couple,” he added.

“But it’s not just a problem which pensioners face.”

The Winter Fuel Allowance may be paid to all eligible homeowners receiving Income Support.

At the Age Concern Centre at St Martin’s Parish Hall, Leslie, stated “If I qualified for it I’d use it, but I don’t think I do.”

Meanwhile, Maggie stated: “We don’t feel we need it enough. I feel other people need it more than we do.”

Gareth Wordingham, buyer product and innovation lead at Guernsey Electricity, stated: “If you’ve got a problem with affordability do give us a call, we’d much rather help you than have you sitting at home shivering.”

He additionally provided some recommendations on how you can maintain heating prices low.

Wordingham stated: “If you’ve got a small heater, they’re cheap to buy but they can be really expensive to run, so if you’re not in the room that they’re being used in, make sure you turn them off.

“Make positive you have removed any drafts and and the curtains are tucked behind the radiators in order that the warmth comes into the room and is not trapped between the wall and the curtains.”