By Mary Temperton

Leader of Bracknell Forest Council

This weekend will see the clocks go back and the evenings get darker as we head into winter.

The change in seasons may bring some worries for residents, especially those who will not receive the winter fuel payment this year. Nationally, it is estimated that around 880,000 households are not claiming the pension credit they are eligible for and therefore missing out on the winter fuel payment.

In Bracknell Forest, we know that more than 270 households, who currently receive help from the housing benefit or council tax support schemes, are not claiming the pension credit or winter fuel payment they are entitled to. Each of these households are being contacted.

We also know that many residents will be eligible for other assistance, such as Attendance Allowance, a benefit designed for our older residents who face health related challenges, or an exemption on their council tax due to a long-term impairment. Many people have not yet made their applications and are missing out on financial assistance.

For many, the reason they don’t claim is that they feel they can make do, while others worry that the process might be invasive or complicated. Please do not let these worries put you off claiming.

In Bracknell Forest, we have invested in these services and our financial inclusion team has supported residents to claim more than £500,000 in additional support in the last two years. They have also supported the delivery of over £3m in crisis grants to residents in the borough since 2021.

It has never been more important to check if you, or someone you know, may be entitled to additional help. Please do take a look at the free benefits calculator on the government’s website: www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators or Bracknell Forest Council’s cost of living webpage: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/cost-living-support for more information.

The support is there for people who really need it and nobody should feel they just have to make do. For so many, the impact could be life changing, so please, if you are worried, take some time to check what support you could receive.

Together we can make sure nobody goes cold this winter.