Council reassures residents over winter fuel voucher date "printing error"

North Tyneside Council has reassured winter fuel voucher recipients they will still receive their money following the discovery of a printing error.

As part of the local authority’s Household Support fund settlement, worth over £1.6m, vouchers have been issued to the vulnerable and elderly to help with their winter fuel bills. Those under 80 on council tax support and or housing benefit who lost their Winter Fuel Allowance will receive a £200 voucher, and over 80s a £300 voucher. 

However, around 120 households have been issued with an incorrect expiry date, December 24, as opposed to three months. The local authority is now resolving the issue and has informed those affected they do not have to do anything and will still receive their cash. 

A North Tyneside Council spokesperson said: “The increased cost of living continues to impact our residents every day and we know the extra support we offer is often a vital lifeline.

“We are supporting nearly 3,000 pensioners in North Tyneside who claim Council Tax Support and or Housing Benefit, who have lost their entitlement to the Winter Fuel Payment, with up to £300.

“The first residents received their vouchers this week. Unfortunately due to a printing error the expiry date on a small number of vouchers is incorrect. Around 120 households will receive replacement vouchers in early January with a longer expiry date on.

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“All residents affected have received a letter to apologise, reassuring them they do not need to do anything. Everyone eligible will still receive their payment.”

As part of the local authority’s £1.6m Household Support fund settlement from the Government, it established the voucher scheme for elderly and vulnerable residents .This was phase one of the voucher programme and 299 households received these.

Around 179 have already redeemed the voucher, around 60% of the initial cohort.