HELP is at hand for hard up Redditch pensioners who are struggling to make ends meet.

Redditch Borough Council is eager to encourage all residents aged 66 and over to apply for funds to help ease the cost of living

Council officials are now calling on family and friends of elderly residents to inform them of the scheme and encourage everyone to apply.

Pensioners can apply for financial help from the government’s Household Support Fund to help pay for essential items.

Money will be made available to pensioners who can’t pay their food bills or deal with energy debts.

But people who need to apply must hurry because the scheme only lasts until the end of September – even though the money made available has been ringfenced.

Judith Wills, who is head of Community Services said: “Each application takes a number of weeks to process, so people need to apply as quickly as possible to see if they are eligible.

“This is not a benefit scheme and must be applied for.

“I am sure with the rise of the cost of living, every penny counts and people may not be aware they can receive unexpected support to help cover eligible costs."

To apply simply visit redditch.gov.uk/hsf or call 0800 988 2881 for help with energy bills or call 0808 2787890 for other costs.