Up to £250 is on offer to help with heating and fuel bills during the cold period for top-up vouchers for prepayment meters or credit into an energy account by direct debit, and solid fuels also such as LPG gas bottles, wood or coal.

 To be eligible, you should be in receipt of a means tested benefit, of pension age, or of working age and receiving a disability benefit, or someone in the household has a health condition worsened by the cold. You are probably struggling with fuel bills and keeping your home warm.

 The fund can also help with boiler repairs of up to £300.

 To apply, your client can call 0800 038 5722, or make a referral and either recent benefit award letters or a recent bank statement showing benefits paid into your account. Freepost envelopes are available to send evidence.

“The Surviving Winter Fund is first-come, first-served, and the deadline is in May. If grant money runs out, other funds may be available,” said Karen Linaker, Community Engagement Manager, Wiltshire Council

karen.linaker@wiltshire.gov.uk