A vital lifeline for residents who are struggling to pay their fuel bills this winter has once again been launched by Richmond Council.

Residents on benefits or have a low income may be eligible for help from the Council with heating bills. Grants of up to £85 per household are now available to protect residents who are at risk from living in fuel poverty.

Last year 866 people received the one-off grant – proof that the need exists in the borough.

Cllr Robin Brown, Richmond Council Cabinet Member for Finance, said: “Getting residents through winter and making sure that no one is faced with fuel poverty is a major priority for this Council. We understand that the ever increasing cost of fuel bills has left many people struggling to pay for their heating this winter. We also know that the number of residents who are living in fuel poverty in Richmond is above the London average – and this cannot go on.

“Therefore, despite the loss of over £30m in Government grant, the Council will continue with these vital grants, which make a real difference to families in the borough.”

If you would like to apply you can download the Fuel Grants application form from the Council website or pick up a hard copy from the Civic Centre in Twickenham or libraries across the borough. The deadline for applications is March 1, 2019.