Last winter saw an increase in the number of elderly residents in Mendip benefiting from Government aid to heat their homes, according to the latest statistics.

However, as winter approaches, charities have stated that the current support is insufficient and are calling for "further targeted energy bill support to protect households."

The Winter Fuel Payments scheme is a tax-free annual benefit designed to help those of pension credit age with their heating bills. Department for Work and Pensions data indicates that 26,428 pensioners in Mendip were helped in the financial year 2022-23, a slight increase from 25,937 the previous year.

Peter Smith, director of policy at National Energy Action, said the increase does not come as a surprise, since there was a significant decline in the number of recipients in the years during and after the pandemic.

"More people are becoming eligible for first time and fewer are passing into the higher payment rate category.

"For these reasons, more people are eligible but not receiving the higher payment," he said.

He added: "The Government should also introduce an emergency energy tariff for certain groups in need and provide local authorities with the funding they require to provide crisis support through the Household Support Fund."

Elderly residents in the South West received approximately 1.2 million payments, while those in the South East got over 1.6 million – the highest number across Great Britain. Alongside these payments, an additional sum of either £150 or £300 was paid to help with the cost-of-living crisis, which Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed would be available again this year.

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Simon Francis, coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition said: "The level of support promised so far by the Government for the cold months ahead is totally inadequate. As a result, pensioners - and many other vulnerable groups - will face the winter with uncertainty and dread."

He added: "The Government should also introduce an emergency energy tariff for certain groups in need and provide local authorities with the funding they require to provide crisis support through the Household Support Fund."

A Government spokesperson stated that they are committed to protecting pensioners with the largest State Pension increase in history and an additional £300 this winter to help with essential costs. The spokesperson added, "We are bearing down on inflation to make everyone's money go further."

The Winter Fuel Payment is available to anyone born on or before 25 September 1957 and residing in the UK for at least one day during the qualifying week, which this year began on 18 September. The amount received depends on age, household circumstances, and other benefits.