Thousands in Norfolk could get extra support this winter

Norfolk County Council has outlined how it intends to use £6.7m it has got from the government's Household Support Fund to assist some of the county's most vulnerable people.

Extra support is being offered to vulnerable people in Norfolk (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

There had been fears the fund would end in September. But the Labour government, which has axed winter fuel payments for 10 million people, including an estimated 225,000 in Norfolk and Waveney, extended it.

Leaders at Conservative-controlled County Hall say 50,000 households across Norfolk will be helped.

Norfolk County Council's County Hall headquarters (Image: Mike Page)

The council will use £750,000 to work with organisations and charities, such as Age UK and Citizens Advice Bureau, to identify pensioners who just miss out on eligibility for pension credit.

Those eligible for pension credit will still get winter fuel payments, but others on the borderline - such as those with higher than average costs due to a disability - could get one-off cost of living support of up to £120 thanks to the council scheme.

Andrew Jamieson, deputy leader of Norfolk County Council (Image: Newsquest)

Andrew Jamieson, deputy leader and cabinet member for finance, said: “There will be thousands of people who will miss the new cut-off by a small margin, leaving them without the means to pay for the cost of fuel.

"The council will make sure payments make their way quickly to those who most need them."

The council is also putting aside £400,000 so libraries and museums can be places where people can head to keep warm and get free hot drinks.

Some £3.6m is going towards cost-of-living vouchers for families eligible for means-tested free school meals.

And £1m is being pumped into the council's Norfolk Assistance Scheme, which helps people with emergency financial support and household appliances, such as cookers, washing machines and beds.

Liberal Democrat county councillor Sharon Blundell (Image: Sharon Blundell) But Liberal Democrat county councillor Sharon Blundell, said: "Let us not forget this Conservative administration rejected a Lib Dem proposal to create a fuel poverty strategy for Norfolk which would have helped our most vulnerable in the long term."

Steve Morphew, leader of the Labour group at Norfolk County Council (Image: Archant)

Steve Morphew, leader of the Labour group, welcomed the funding but highlighted how the Tory council had cut the minimum income guarantee for many with disabilities, so they had to pay more for care.