Poor pensions receive £150m boost

Half of pensioners fear being burgled, the report says

Half a million of Britain's poorest pensioners will receive up to £2,000 help, under a new commercial and charity partnership.

This collaborative approach will make a real different to people's lives

Dr Miriam Stoppard, health writer

The £150 million "here to help" scheme will help tackle household poverty among older people, the disabled and lone parent families.

Poor households will be offered benefits, which will include free energy audits, free insulation, fuel discounts, as well as provide and fit home security equipment.

Disabled people will be helped specialist equipment, such as "talking microwaves" while single parents will get advice, and training grants.

Welcome collaboration

British Gas, which is leading the initiative, has produced a report to coincide with the launch, which has found that four in 10 older people worry about being short of money.

Concerns of over 60s

Four in 10 worry about being short of money

One quarter fear hospital admission

Half live alone

One third are concerned about getting around

Half fear being burgled

One third are anxious about keeping their homes warm

Source: Britsh Gas Winter Matters Report

Launching the Winter Matters report, Dr Miriam Stoppard said: "British Gas's Here to help programme will touch the lives of more than 1 million people over the next three years.

"This collaborative approach will make a real different to people's lives, whether it is providing older people with security measures or ensuring large families in inner cities have insulation fitted for free."

Among the communities who will first benefit from the scheme are in London, Kent, the North East, the South West, Wales and Scotland.

The groups taking part in the initiative include Help the Aged, Scope, Save the Children, the Family Welfare Association, RNIB, Gingerbread, and the National Debt Line.

Barbara Roche, minister for social exclusion, said: "It is crucial that the wider issues affecting people living in deprived areas are addressed.

"Through the National Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal, the government is committed to reducing social exclusion and here to help will be an important and significant element in our battle to combat fuel poverty."