MILLIONS of workers could end up with less money in retirement under new government plans which are being considered.

Experts have warned that Britain will face a “retirement crisis” and it would “cause havoc” if the Chancellor imposes national insurance on employers’ pension contributions in her budget next week.

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The move is predicted to raise £15.4 billion, which would help to plug a £40 billion funding gap in the public finances.

Meanwhile, experts suggest that public sector businesses such as National Health Service workers, teachers and government employees could be spared the change.

If these workers were included then it could mean that public sector budgets would need to be significantly cut, which could worsen their service.

It would cost the government millions of pounds to implement this change so only businesses and private-sector workers will feel its impact.

The decision to increase national insurance on employers’ pension contributions could leave millions of workers with lower wages and less generous pensions.

Felicia Hjertman, CEO of investment platform TILLIT, said the decision could worsen Britain’s retirement savings.

“Britain is on the brink of a retirement crisis,” she said.

“Increasing employers’ national insurance contributions on private pensions is a step in the wrong direction.”

While Baroness Ros Altman added: “This kind of change would cause havoc for UK pensions and derail the success of auto-enrolment.

“Because of the prevalence of salary sacrifice arrangements in auto enrolment pensions across all employers, and the widespread problems already known in pensions administration due to excessively complex rules, any such sudden significant change in the Budget will create havoc for many employer schemes and would be seriously ill-advised.”

How does national insurance work?

Employers currently pay national insurance for most workers earning more than £9,100 a year.

The amount they pay is equivalent to 13.8% of the employees earnings above this figure.

So for an employee earning £30,000 the employer would pay £2,884.20 in national insurance.

Former pensions minister Steve Webb estimates that putting the national insurance rate up by 1% could raise £8 billion a year.

What could it mean for me?

If employers have to pay more tax then their costs will go up, so they would need to save money elsewhere.

They may do this by increasing the price of their products for customers, giving employees smaller pay rises or reducing the amount that they pay into employees’ pensions.

Employers currently have to pay in at least 3% of an employee’s salary into their pension each month.

The employee then pays 5% of their salary in, bringing the total contribution up to 8%.

But some companies offer much more generous packages and may pay in up to 10% of an employees’ salary.

These packages could be cut if the planned changes come into effect.

Sir Steve Webb said: “Changing national insurance contributions could leave hundreds of thousands of people with a poorer retirement.

“People are not saving enough money for their retirement as it is. This could mean even more people are not saving enough.”

Tom Selby, director of public policy at AJ Bell, said only taxing private sector workers would be difficult to explain.

“Applying national insurance to private sector companies while giving the public sector a get-out-of-jail-free card would be more difficult to justify,” he said.

“Particularly given public sector pensions are far more generous than their private sector equivalents.”

How would it affect different schemes?

There are concerns that introducing national insurance on pension contributions could undermine salary sacrifice schemes.

At the moment some employers offer schemes where employees can give up part of their salary, which is then paid directly into their pension, avoiding tax.

If national insurance is applied to an employer’s pension contribution then it could remove the incentive  for  companies to offer these schemes.

If these schemes were removed then it could mean that employees have to pay tax on their pension contributions, which would reduce the amount they pay into their nest egg.

What else could be announced in the budget?

The Chancellor is expected to freeze income tax thresholds in the Budget, which could drag 1.5 million pensioners into higher tax bands.

The State Pension is expected to rise by 4.1% in April, equivalent to a boost of £473.

A single pensioner would see their income rise from £221.20 to £230.30 a week.

But with income tax thresholds frozen it could mean that many pensioners have to pay tax on the state pension for the first time.

The Chancellor is also believed to be considering whether to make huge changes to inheritance tax in order to raise billions of pounds.

Only about one in 20 estates now attract inheritance tax but it is still known as Britain’s most hated tax.

Rachel Reeves is considering whether to make changes to the exemptions, allowances and reliefs available at the moment.

For example, the Government could decide to reduce the amount that you can give to a friend or family member before you die.

It could also reduce the seven year rule, which currently allows someone to give away items or money to friends and family tax free so long as they live for seven years afterwards.

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STARBUCKS has promised to make major changes to its menu and prices in an attempt to win back customers and boost dwindling sales.

In a video message, Starbucks chairman and Chief Executive Officer Brian Niccol said the company will simplify its “overly complex menu”.

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He added that the coffee chain will fix its “pricing architecture” and “ensure that every customer feels Starbucks is worth it”.

He also outlined said he wants the chain to return to the welcoming atmosphere of its early locations.

The strategy is a bid to win back customers who are visiting less often, which has caused sales to tumble.

To succeed Niccol said the chain will address staffing issues in its cafes, remove bottlenecks and simplify things for baristas.

It will also improve the mobile order and pay system so it does not overwhelm the cafe experience.

“We know how to make these improvements, and when we do, we know customers will visit more often,” he said.

“Getting ‘Back to Starbucks’ is our plan, and we’ll share our progress as we go.”

It has not been confirmed when the company plans to implement these changes or how they will be introduced.

Niccol, who previously ran the Mexican food chain Chipotle, was brought in to Starbucks to help turn the company around.

Its preliminary results showed that global store sales were down 7% between July and September.

The downturn was more prominent in China, where sales fell 14% over the same period.

High prices for drinks and long queues at busy times have been blamed for the tumbling sales.

How much does Starbucks cost?

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Starbucks has a wide range of coffees on offer. Its menu includes:

• Caffe Latte – £4.25
• White Chocolate Mocha – £5.40
• Caffe Mocha – £4.90
• Caramel Macchiato – £5.15
• Cafe Americano – £3.80
• Cappuccino – £4.25
• Filter Coffee – £2.55
• Caffe Misto – £3.00
• Iced Caffe Latte – £4.30

The coffee chain’s seasonal coffees and Frappuccinos can cost more than £6 for the largest size.

In comparison, a latte from Pret costs around £4.05 while Costa Coffee charges around £3.45.

Last week Starbucks announced that it is scaling back its promotional offers through its mobile app to get customers to pay full price for its coffees and teas.

The move is part of a strategy to reposition Starbucks as a premium brand.

It will also reduce pressure on employees, who can get flooded with orders when promotions are on.

In September the company offered extra loyalty points on Tuesdays and had deals on several drinks purchases on Saturdays.

This moved away from promotions which lasted many months such as “buy one, get one free” and 50% off.

Starbucks is not planning to introduce offers during the festive season and will instead promote its seasonal drinks with advertisements, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Starbucks has previously avoided coffee promotion but it dialled them up earlier this year to lure back customers.

This strategy has now been put in reverse by Niccol since he took over last month.

Starbucks shares fell 4% on Tuesday and it suspended its financial forecasts for the next year due to the “current state of the business”.

The company’s full results are still scheduled for release on October 30.

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TENS of thousands of older state pensioners could be missing out on thousands of pounds due to a historic error.

The mistake, which was first revealed in 2022, has seen 187,000 people miss out on retirement money they’re entitled to.

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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has been on a mission to identify the pensioners, mainly women, who have been affected by the error.

Now an expert has revealed that more pensioners could be owed cash but have been unable to claim.

Those affected are parents who claimed Child Benefit before 2000 and are missing out on the extra cash due to gaps in their National Insurance (NI) records.

These mothers should have had ‘Home Responsibilities Protection’ (HRP) on their NI record since 1978 when they were raising children, but in many cases, this is missing which means they aren’t getting paid all the state pension they should.

It’s understood that of the 187,000 affected by the historic error around 43,000 are now deceased.

In an effort to track these women down, HMRC has so far issued more than a quarter of a million letters to people over pension age with no HRP on their record, encouraging them to put in a claim.

They may then be issued backdated payments, as well as a new monthly income if they’re found to have been affected.

However, a Freedom of Information (FOI) response to former pensions minister and current partner at LCP Steve Webb has revealed that tens of thousands still may not be aware they’re missing out.

Mr Webb received a copy of the letter which is sent out to those potentially affected.

He found that it relies largely on internet-based claiming.

Recipients are told not to apply until they have used an online check for HRP entitlement and then to put in their application online.

The letter makes no reference to any alternative way of claiming, despite the existence of a simple paper claim form (CF411) which can be used instead.

Research from Age UK suggests that almost 30% of people aged 75 or over never use the internet, which suggests that many of the recipients of these letters may not be able to act upon them.

Mr Webb is now calling on HMRC to review its communication strategy for older pensioners and to make paper claim forms readily available.

He said: “Whilst I understand the desire of government departments to cut costs, it is completely inappropriate to write letters to hundreds of thousands of pensioners which suggest that the only way to apply is online. 

“At the very least, the letter should make it clear that other ways of claiming are available for those who are not online. I am concerned in particular for older pensioners who may not have friends or family to help them. 

“Those who have been underpaid have typically missed out on thousands of pounds, and they deserve to have this put right.  Unless HMRC addresses this issue it is highly likely that tens of thousands of older pensioners may continue to miss out on money which is rightfully theirs”.

The DWP estimates that a total of £1.3billion is owed to those affected – that equates to an average amount of £5,000 owed to each individual.

When the mistake was uncovered the DWP described it as the “second largest” source of errors in state pensions.

Those affected are people who claimed child benefit, largely women who were stay-at-home mums, before May 2000 as they could have gaps in their NI record which in turn affects the amount of state pension they get.

The amount of state pension someone gets is based on their NI contributions and the number of “qualifying years” they have.

From 1978 to 2010, protection was provided for parents to avoid these gaps by a system known as Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) credits.

This system was then replaced in 2010 by the one we have now, called National Insurance Credits.

If someone claimed child benefit before May 2000 and did not provide their NI number on the form, it’s possible that their credits may not have been transferred to their NI account from the child benefit computer. 

This may affect their pension entitlement and women who are now in their 60s and 70s are most likely to be affected.

The DWP has already started sending letters to people who might have been entitled to HRP between 1978 and 2010 but have no HRP on their NI record.

It says so far it has written to 370,000 people, of which 257,000 were over State Pension Age.

It expects to send several hundred thousand letters to those affected over the next 18 months.

Where errors are found, NI records will be corrected and the DWP will then recalculate state pensions and pay arrears.

This could result in increased pension payments as well as a lump sum payment.

An HMRC spokesperson said: “Contrary to what’s been claimed, the letters do include a helpline number to request a paper application form – although for most people it will be much quicker and easier to use our online service.”

Last year, The Sun spoke to Susan Burton, 66, who almost missed out on £50,000 for her retirement because of this error. 

Another woman, 74, has received a £17,000 windfall after falling victim to the error.

It means that finding out if you have been missing out, could mean a big payday.

What do I need to do now?

The DWP says it has begun the process by writing to those already over pension age.

For the tens of thousands of those affected who have died, it will be a matter of tracking down the families of the deceased.

Mr Webb told The Sun: “The scale of this problem is such that it is going to take 18 months to try to track down all those who may have missed out.

“But HMRC’s records give them only very limited information about who to contact, so anyone who thinks they were eligible for Home Responsibilities Protection which may be missing from their state pension should check if they were entitled and put in an application.”

Anyone who has received child benefit since 1978 should check their NI record.

If the payment is missing, there is a form that can be filled in to get the information added to your record.

It is called a CF411 form and it can be found on the government’s website.

You can also contact the HMRC National Insurance helpline for an application form.

Your state pension will then be automatically recalculated and the arrears will be paid.

You can still apply for HRP if, for the full tax years (April to April) between 1978 and 2010, if you were either:

• Sharing the care of a child under 16 with a partner you lived with and they claimed Child Benefit instead of you 
• Caring for a sick or disabled person

Any HRP you had before April 6, 2010, have converted to National Insurance credits.

You must have reached state pension age on or after April 6 for these credits to go towards your pension.

Elsewhere, the exact amount you need to retire comfortably – including holidays abroad – has been revealed.

Plus, a Martin Lewis fan has revealed how the expert’s little-known tip helped them to boost their state pension by £7,000.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

A BUDGET supermarket has launched whopping XXL pigs in blankets for Christmas – and it’s not Aldi or Lidl.

The big day is still 63 days away, but it’s always good to plan ahead for the merry season and get the seasonal food in.

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With Christmas fast approaching, Iceland has released its Pigs in Blankets range – and it doesn’t disappoint.

The 2 XXL Footlong Pigs in Blankets have stolen the show however – and by the reaction of a similar product at Iceland, customers won’t be able to get enough of them.

One reviewer on the similar item said: “The whole family loved these, really succulent sausages, really good value for money and so tasty!”

Another commented: “Amazing! Proper sausages wrapped in ridiculous amount of bacon!”

And: “A lot bigger than I thought it would be and a very nice taste and easy to cook. Would recommend to anyone who can’t resist a good pig in blanket.”

But the price is just as impressive, selling for only £5 for two.

And there appears to be nothing else on the market similar.

The range also has an incredible Pig in Blanket Giant Baked Yorkshire Pudding that would be a crowd-pleaser at the Christmas dinner table for just £5.

And a Pinwheel Pig in Blanket that’s £5 is also available if you fancy something different to the conventional pigs in blankets.

But for those looking for the normal ones, various options will be available that range from £2.25 to £4.

Iceland recently revealed it’s Christmas 2024 range that will be available in stores and online from November 12.

The items will also be available to buy at Iceland’s The Food Warehouse.

Iceland‘s menu this year offers customers everything they’ll need for Christmas lunch or dinner, but there are some quirky items included as well in case you’re after something a bit different.

Shoppers will be able to feast on mini fish, chip and ketchup sarnies, prawn tacos and an unbelievable XXL pigs in blankets Yorkshire pudding.

The supermarket is also launching battered lobster tails, mini garlic and herb kievs and even some exclusive brands items like Harry Ramsden’s battered mini sausages.

Also returning are familiar favourites such as the turkey crown, mince pies, Christmas pudding and of course all the trimmings like roast potatoes and veg.

Those who want to feast on the exclusive brands range like Galaxy, TGI Fridays and Harry Ramsden’s can do so with the mix-and-match deals like three items for £10.

Iceland’s head of development David Lennox said: “We’ve focused on perfecting the classics and making them the best and most delicious yet, as well as offering our customers a range of innovative and affordable new Christmas products which are sure to delight everyone at the dinner table.

“Iceland has some extra special products on offer this festive season.”

And here’s the full list of festive items Iceland shoppers can get their hands on.

Iceland is yet to confirm some of the prices so keep your eyes peeled when you visit its stores later this year.

Christmas traditional favourites:

• Iceland Xmas Dinner in a box – £25.00
• Iceland Battered Lobster Tails – £20.00
• Butterball Turkeys – £35.00
• Iceland Beef Wellington – £26.00
• Iceland Ultimate XL Cooked Lobster – £15.00
• Iceland Pigs in Blanket Pinwheel – £5.00

Exclusive Brands Party:

• TGI Fridays Loaded Fries X2 Flavours – £5.00
• Harry Ramsden’s Battered Mini Sausages 16 Pack with Chip Shop Curry Sauce – £4.00 (3 for £5)
• TGI Fridays Hunters Chicken Potato Bites – £4.00

Luxury Party: 

• Iceland Doughball Xmas Tree – £4.00
• Iceland Mini Cottage Pies / PiBS Yorkshire Puddings – £4.00
• Iceland Prawn Tacos – £4.00
• Mini Lemon Meringue Pies – £4.00

Innovation products:

• Iceland Beechwood Smoked Treacle Gammon – £14.00
• Iceland Lobster Thermidor – £15.00
• Iceland Pigs in Blanket Yorkshire Pudding XXL – £4.00
• Iceland Hunters Pigs in Blankets – £4.00 (3 for £10)
• Iceland White Chocolate Snowman – £8.00
• Luxury Mince Pies – £2.75
• Iceland Lemon Meringue Baked Alaska – £6
• Iceland Mini King Prawn Ring – £2.50
• Iceland Chicken Nugget Lollipops – £2.50
• Iceland Spring Roll Platter – £6.00
• Iceland Cheesy Potato Swirls – £1.00
• Iceland Potato Trees and Stars – £1.00
• Iceland Duck Skewer with Hoisin Sauce – £4.00
• Iceland Mini Cheesecake/ Cake Selections – £4.00

Buy Two, Get One Free Party Food: 

• Iceland Mini Fish & Chip Butty – £2.50
• Iceland Crispy Duck Nuggets – £2.50
• Iceland 8pk Mini Orange Choc Ices – £2.50
• Iceland Choc Hazelnut Churro Bites – £2.50
• Iceland Onion Bhaji Rings – £2.50

Embrace picky bits – Greggs and TGI Fridays: 

• TGI Fridays Coated Skewer with Tennessee Glaze and Sesame – £4.00
• TGI Fridays Cookie Cups – £4.00
• TGI Fridays Mini Ribs – £4.00 (3 for £10)
• Greggs 16 Pack Mini Sausage Rolls – £4.00

Desserts and Bakery:

• Iceland Ultimate Raspberry & Vanilla Macaron Wreath 575g- £10.00
• Galaxy Caramel Fondue Cheesecake – £12.00
• Daily Bakery Cinnamon / Chocolate Wreath – £5.00
• Galaxy Caramel Salted Chocolate Bar – £8.00

Veggie and Vegan:

• Iceland 15 Pack Vegetable Spring Rolls – £1.00
• Iceland 16 Pack Onion Bhajis – £1.00
• Iceland 16 Pack Vegetable Samosas – £1.00
• Iceland 10 Pack Mozzarella Balls – £1.00
• Iceland 10 Pack Mac ‘N’ Cheese Bites – £1.00
• Iceland 12 Battered Salt and Pepper Vegetable Spring Rolls -£2.50
• Iceland 16 Pack Mozzarella Sticks – £2.50
• Iceland Jalapeno Cream Cheese – £2.50
• Iceland 10 Pack Brie Wedges – £2.50
• Iceland 14 Pack Cheese & Garlic Bites – £2.50
• Luxury 4 Pack Camembert Rounds with Cranberry Sauce – £3.50
• Luxury 12 Pack Halloumi Fries – £3.50
• Iceland 80 Pack Indian Platter – £6.00
• TGI Fridays Mozzarella Sticks (FWH) – £3.50
• TGI Fridays 6 Pack Southern Fried Mozzarella XL Dippers – £3.50
• Cathedral City 12 Pack Cheese Bites – £3.75
• TGI Fridays Battered Cheese Toastie – £4.00
• Cathedral City Cheddar with Caramelised Onion – £3.75
• Cathedral City Cheddar with Triple Cheese Bite – £3.75
• TGI Fridays Bacon Mac Cheese Bites – £3.75
• TGI Fridays Jalapeno Poppers – £4.00
• Cathedral City Mac n Cheese Bites – £3.75
• Mozzarella sticks 60 Pack – £6.00
• No Meat No Meat Turkey Roast (vegan offering)
• No Porkies 6 Pack Sausage Roll (vegan offering)
• Iceland Vegan Mac & Cheese Bites (vegan offering)

If you are keen to snap up some of the items from Iceland’s Christmas range, most of its stores are usually open from 7am or 8am until 7pm, and in some cities, they are open until 9pm.

However, hours might vary depending on where you are in the country.

You can find your nearest Iceland store by using the store locator tool on its website.

See what’s on Tesco’s shelves this Christmas including pigs in blankets stuffing.

Plus you can pick up items from posh shop Fortnum and Mason from just £3.50.

A TERRACED house with a garden and garage has hit the market for just £10 – but there’s a catch.

The property is located in the stunning Welsh Valleys in the quaint village of Tylorstown.

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But the tiny £10 guide price is explained by the house’s decrepit interior, with scrap furniture piled high and walls stripped of their plaster.

The house, which is barely more than skeleton, is generously described by auctioneers as “open plan”.

And while it won’t be for the faint-hearted, it could be the perfect fixer-upper for keen profit hunters.

The property boasts a forecourt, rear garden and garage and is near a host of cafes, shops and restaurants in the bustling town of Ferndale.

Sean Roper, who works for Paul Fosh Auctions, believes it has the potential to fit two or even three bedrooms once renovated.

He added that the property had been “stripped back ready for upgrading and improvement” – and that the right buyer will “transform” it into a “comfortable and generously sized” abode.

It is conveniently situation four miles from Porth train station and a 45-minute drive from Cardiff.

Those interested will need to move fast as the auction will only run for just over 48 hours – beginning on November 5 and closing on November 7 at 5pm.

It comes after another Welsh property hit the market for a staggering £0.

But, much like the Tylorstown house, it was in dire need of a makeover, having been destroyed by a fire.

Meanwhile, prospective buyers this week spotted that an entire street was up for sale – including 12 terraced houses.

It didn’t come cheap, though – with starting bids set at an eye-watering £1.5 million.

Home shoppers have also been presented with a flurry of properties with quirky interior features – like a quaint cottage in Dover with its very own cave.

And a two-bed property in the West Midlands concealed a more unsettling secret – with a mountain of junk and abandoned belongings inside.

Inside UK’s ‘worst’ hoarder house

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MUMMIFIED cats were found by cleaners who were sent to clean a house stuffed to the rafters.

In fact, the Lancashire house was so cluttered cleaners needed a ladder to climb through a second-storey window to reach the upper floor.

It took cleaners 45 hours to clean the house from all the rubbish, in a “worst-case” of hoarding they had ever seen, using dozens of skips.

The teams were tasked with clearing the home after the homeowner, a man in his 70s, had died.

Much of the house was jam-packed full of old phone equipment as the man wanted start a phone exchange business, which is where the hoarding began in the 1990s.

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“Over the years he collected mounds of telecom technology. He began storing these telecom artifacts in containers.

“Then, when they were full he began filling under the floorboards,” a Blanchards spokesperson said.

The only space in the house was an armchair next to the cats, where the man spent all of his time.

The man had a hoarding disorder after analysis of the trash revealed he had been unable to throw anything away for upwards of three decades.

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By James Halpin

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THOUSANDS of vulnerable households could get free cash and energy saving appliances this winter.

Gadgets such as air-fryers and heated blankets are now being given out by charities to people who are struggling with their energy bills.

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This comes as The Cadent Foundation launches a £2million Emergency Support Fund in time for the colder months.

The fund has now been distributed between its many charity partners, including Citizens Advice and Groundwork, as well as other smaller charities across the UK.

Each charity is using a slice of the funding to give out the gadgets, food vouchers and energy vouchers to help households struggling with fuel poverty.

The amount of money you can get is not specific and depends on the charity you’re talking to,.

Households can also claim heating and cooking appliances which use little energy so cost less money to run – saving them crucial cash on their monthly bill.

The boost will be available until March, and each household can receive up to two vouchers as well as the appliances they need.

The fund is specifically designed for people who are already in connection with a charity.

If you are currently seeking help it is therefore a good idea to check whether yours is benefiting from the scheme so you can too.

Once you have contacted them, they will distribute help the best they can with the following items:

• Food vouchers
• Energy vouchers
• Slow Cookers
• Air Fryers
• Self-heating mattress toppers
• Duvets
• Heated blankets
• Foot warmers
• Mini ovens
• Microwaves

Ranjit Blythe, managing director of the Cadent Foundation, said: “It’s a mistake for anyone to think that the cost of living crisis is over and we’ve seen, first hand, through all our projects, the impact of fuel poverty on the most vulnerable.

“With the recent price cap changes and removal of the Winter Fuel Allowance for many pensioners, we’re worried that those who may have just about managed last year, will now be tipped into fuel poverty.”

Those who are in touch with a charity and have recently lost their winter fuel payment could particularly benefit from the fund, so we advise they seek help where it is available.

Here’s the full list of charities handing out the latest help in each area.

North West:

• Blackpool Coastal Housing – Blackpool CH tenants
• Care Network (Blackburn and Darwen)
• Energy Project Plus (Wallasey)
• Citizens Advice (Burnley, Knowsley, Liverpool)
• Groundwork (West Lancashire, East Lancashire, Liverpool, Merseyside, Burnley, Pendle, Rossendale, Blackburn, Blackpool and Flyde Coast, South Lakeland, Barrow-in-Furness, Greater Manchester)

West Mids:

Citizens Advice (Birmingham, Sandwell)

• Groundwork (Birmingham, Coventry, Black Country, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stoke, Herefordshire)
• Wrekin Housing Association (Shropshire, Staffordshire, Telford, Wrekin) – only Wrekin tenants
• Act on Energy (Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall, Warwickshire, Wolverhampton, Worcestershire)

East Mids:

• Nottingham Energy Partnership (Nottinghamshire)
• Citizens Advice (Lincoln)
• Groundwork (Nottinghamshire, South Yorkshire – Barnsley, Rotherham, Sheffield)

East of England:

• Citizens Advice (Norwich, Ipswich)
• Groundwork (Braintree, Colchester)

North London:

• Renewal Programme (Newham)
• Groundwork (Newham, Hounslow, Thames Valley, Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea, Harrow, Hillingdon/Hayes, Brent, Barnet, Maidenhead, South Bucks)

What is the winter fuel payment and who is eligible?

The winter fuel payment is issued to state pensioners on certain benefits to help cover the cost of hiked up energy bills over the colder season.

Previously, the winter fuel payment was available to anyone of state pension age, which is currently 66, but this autumn the government scrapped the scheme for millions.

Now pensioners must also be in receipt of pension credit or certain other means-tested benefits to qualify for the payment.

The payment will be made automatically to eligible bank accounts in November or December, so you do not need to apply.

It is important that if you are a pensioner and struggling to heat your home this winter you still turn it on, and reach out for financial support.

Other support available for pensioners and struggling households

If you fall into debt, many suppliers have grant schemes for struggling customers who can’t afford their bills.

For example, British Gas has set aside over £140 million this winter to help both customers and non-customers through its Individuals and Families Support Fund.

There are conditions to apply, and how much you can get depends on your circumstance – so it’s worth reading over the conditions on the website.

Octopus Energy is also offering discretionary credit of between £50 and £200 to pensioners this winter.

It has also promised it will distribute 20,000 electric blankets from Dreamland to its most vulnerable customers.

You can also get in touch with your council and see what help is available through the Household Support Fund.

This government scheme operates through your constituency and can get you free grants, electric blankets and white goods replacements.

To find out what help is available, visit its website and search “Household Support Fund”.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories