Residents can now apply for grants of up to £170 towards their annual energy bill through the Council's Fuel Grant Scheme.

The grant has doubled this year as additional funds are now available through the Government's Household Support Fund.

This fuel grant is available to anyone on benefits or low income, including pensioners. Residents who receive help with fuel costs from elsewhere, including the new COVID-19 funds, are also eligible.

Applications will be assessed depending on individual circumstances. The closing date for applications is Thursday, March 31.

If you would like to apply for the fuel grant please download theFuel Grantsapplication form from the Council website and email your completed form with copies of any required documents [email protected]. Residents can also post their application forms or pick up a hard copy from the Civic Centre in Twickenham.Full information is available here.

Additional grants are also available from the Household Support Fund for food, bills and other essential items, via Citizens Advice Richmond and Richmond AID. You can find out more about this here.

Cllr Robin Brown, Richmond CouncilLeadMember for Finance, said:"With the weather becoming colder over the Winter months we are committed to supporting residents who are struggling financially with their home heating bills. Making sure that no one is faced with fuel poverty is a major priority for this Council.

"We understand that theever-increasingcost of fuel bills and the effects of the pandemic have left many people struggling financially to pay for their annual heating bills. The Council is here to help and I would encourage anyone struggling financially to come forward and apply for these vital grants."