People living in Andover aged over 66 years old, and in need of financial help, are being offered up to £100 to help pay their heating bills.

It follows a cross-party vote among Test Valley councillors to allocate £20,000 to a Winter Fuel Payment Scheme with a further £20,000 promised to help pensioners struggling to pay their bills.

Councillors hope that up to 400 of the most vulnerable elderly households in Test Valley will be helped by the proposal.

The Winter Fuel Allowance is an annual, tax-free lump sum payment intended to give older people reassurance they can afford to heat their homes in winter. It’s paid to people who have reached State Pension age on or before the end of the qualifying week (the week beginning the third Monday of September each year) and meet certain other entitlement conditions, such as not being in receipt of free treatment in hospital for more than a year.

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The Council’s offer comes after the government decided not to provide everyone over the age of 66 with a Winter Fuel Payment. Those of pensionable age, living in Test Valley, and in need of some extra support are being encouraged to contact Citizens Advice which will assess whether the person qualifies for financial assistance.

Those that Citizens Advice identifies for financial help will then be referred to Unity, a Test Valley-based charity that will hold the funding pot and make the payments of up to £100 direct to residents.

Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Councillor Phil North, said: “We want to make sure that anyone above the age of 66 is getting the help and support they need in these difficult times, but we also need those people to make themselves known to us.

“This money could be vital in supporting vulnerable pensioners in Test Valley and if your elderly relative or friend could benefit from this please encourage them to contact Citizens Advice, they will be more than happy to help them.”

Residents can contact them on 0808 178 6882 or go to their website www.testvalleycab.org.uk.