By Ethan Davies, with Chris Gee, Charlotte Hall, Declan Carey, Joseph Timan, George Lythgoe, and Nick Jackson.

A third winter in the cost-of-living crisis is just around the corner.

Energy bills have soared since spring 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. When looking at 'typical energy bills', prices spiked in January 2023, when the previous government put a cap of £2,500 per household in place.

However, that cap was lifted last summer, when typical household bills fell below the threshold. The cap for the last three months of this year is just over £1,700 — and British Gas expects it to stay around this figure in early 2025.

However, while bills have fallen since last year, so has the amount of government support for pensioners. Over the summer, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the winter fuel allowance would be cut.

Her decision meant the allowance went from being universally available to all pensioners to only those receiving certain kinds of benefits.

(Image - Unsplash / e24)

In the wake of the move, local authorities across Greater Manchester have urged OAPs who are entitled to pension credit to come forward — as thousands of our elderly are missing out on millions of pounds.

Now, some authorities in Greater Manchester are going one step further. Manchester City Council has launched its own 'hardship fund'.

It will allow pensioners in the city who've lost their winter fuel allowance, but still need help making ends meet, claim up to £200. But that's not the only scheme designed to help the elderly.

Manchester’s ‘hardship fund’ means pensioners ‘in hardship’ aged between 66 to 79 can receive £150, with those over 80 in line for £200, bosses have confirmed. 

Formal criteria of ‘hardship’ has yet to be ‘defined’, it’s understood. But anyone the council already knows will qualify for the payment will be paid automatically.

“We know as we approach winter that the cost-of-living crisis hasn’t gone away and as a council we will be doing everything this winter to support those struggling or facing hardship,” said leader, councillor Bev Craig. “The message is clear, if you are struggling this winter, please contact us and we will support you.”

Cllr Craig estimates 8,000 Mancs are eligible for pensioner credit but are not claiming it — losing out on £24m.

Any Mancunian can receive free advice on how to deal with the cost-of-living crisis, or see if they’re eligible for council help, by calling 0800 0232692 between 9am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

More information is also available online here, or by texting 07860 022876.

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