Charity launches pensioners' winter fuel payments

Age Concern Guernsey is shared support for older islanders who may be worried about the financial impact on households this winter.

Every year, from 1 November to 1 May, Age Concern Guernsey operates a fuel fund, specifically to assist Guernsey pensioners who struggle to pay their fuel bills.

The charity said it looked at each application and, if successful, it would send a voucher for £275 which could be used against any fuel – electricity, gas, oil or solid fuel.

Charity chairman David Inglis said the grants would certainly put a "big smile" on people's faces.

He said: "We have been running this grant system for the last 10 years and it has great benefit to people of an older age.

"We invite people who had a grant last year to apply this year, because the problem doesn't go away.

"We try and keep it as simple as possible: you have to be over 65 and all they have to do is fill out a very simple form.

"The grant certainly puts a big smile on people's faces."

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