Pensioners given air fryers to cut fuel bills

Pensioners in North Lincolnshire are to be given free air fryers or slow cookers, the council said.

The Conservative-run authority said it was in response to the government restricting winter fuel payments.

The energy-efficient appliances will be handed out in the new year.

North Lincolnshire Council has already said it will give £200 to around 3,000 pensioners on council tax relief who do not qualify for the fuel payment.

Council leader Rob Waltham said: “We know many pensioners are struggling and relied on the winter fuel payment at the time of year when energy bills soar.

“The £200 will go some way to help but we want to do more, to help older people eat healthy and at the same time reduce their energy bills by using things like air fryers."

As well as the free appliances, healthy cooking courses will also be available.

The money for the cooking equipment and the £200 will come from the government’s Household Support Fund, the council said.

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