THE Conservative candidate to win back North Shropshire has welcomed the additional £300 payment made to more than 24,000 pensioners in the constituency to help fight the cost-of-living crisis.

Dean Carroll, who is also a Shropshire counsellor, said that 24,891 pensioners in North Shropshire will receive the additional money as payments begin to be sent out.

These payments will be made directly to more than 11 million pensioners in receipt of the Winter Fuel Payment, in what he believes 'demonstrating the Conservative Government’s commitment to supporting pensioners with rising costs through the winter'.

Mr Carroll said: “Pensioners across North Shropshire are facing rising living costs because of Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine, so it is vital that we take real action to support them.

“I welcome the news that 24,891 pensioners in North Shropshire will be receiving the Conservative Government’s £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment as part of their annual Winter Fuel Payment, as well as the news that the Triple Lock is being protected.

“This will give pensioners much needed support this winter and protect the most vulnerable in the face of rising prices.”

Mr Carroll said that in addition to this £300 uplift to the Winter Fuel Payment for pensioners, the Energy Price Guarantee will help to keep household energy bills as low as possible – saving the typical household £900 this winter.

Every household is also benefitting from a £400 grant, automatically deducted from their energy bills, as the Conservative Government takes real action to help people with the cost of living.

Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride added: “We know the pressures pensioners across the country are facing which is why we’re providing all pensioner households with an additional £300 on top of their Winter Fuel Payments to heat their homes and stay warm this winter.

“This extra payment is just one part of the wider support package the Government is delivering to help with rising bills, including the biggest State Pension increase in history.

“We will continue to support the most vulnerable as we deal with the impact of Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine and the aftermath of the pandemic – as demonstrated by the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement announcement of additional help to follow next year.”