Our recent Pensioner Advice Event saw a fantastic turnout from pensioners and their families. Held on Friday 4 October, the event was part of the council’s broader initiative to help pensioners manage the challenges of rising living costs this winter.

Pensioners that attended received expert advice and guidance on a wide range of topics, including Pension Credit applications, Winter Fuel Payment information, public transportation resources and much more.

Councillor Sarah Chambers, Cabinet Member for Cost of Living, Equalities, and Communities, said:

We know pensioners across Derby are feeling the strain from rising costs, and it was wonderful to meet so many residents of Derby, taking advantage of this event. This is just one of the many initiatives we’ve introduced to ensure that our older residents receive the support they need. Whether it’s help with pension credit or energy savings, we are committed to helping them navigate these challenging times."

For those who were unable to attend, further information is available on our website or Community Action Derby’s cost of living webpage. 

There will be further cost of living support events happening over the coming weeks across the city.

These include:

  • Mackworth - Thursday 24 October, 10am-12 noon, St Francis Church, Prince Charles Avenue, Mackworth, DE22 4FN
  • New Zealand - Friday 25 October, 10am-12 noon, Lonny Wilsoncroft Community Centre, Stepping Lane, Derby DE1 1GL
  • Chaddesden - Friday 1st November, 10am-12 noon, Age UK Building, Chaddesden Park, Chaddesden, DE21 6LN (There is free parking in the main car park off Maine Drive, Chaddesden)
  • Sinfin - Monday 4 November, 10am-12 noon, Sinfin Moor Church, Arleston Lane, Sinfin, Derby, DE24 3DH
  • Osmaston - Monday 10 December, 10am-12 noon, Moorways Sports Village, Moor Lane, Derby, DE24 9HY

Earlier this month, we also confirmed that the Council would be receiving a £2.225m grant from the Department of Works and Pensions (DWP) following the Governments recent announcement that the Household Support Funding would be extended for a further six months, running from 1st October 2024 to 31st March 2025.

A recent audit by the DWP identified how the Council has previously implemented the fund, stating:

Derby City Council exemplifies how a well-coordinated and empathetic approach can make a different in a community.  Their strategic use of the Household Support Fund, focussing on both immediate and long-term solutions, services as a model for addressing poverty and deprivation.  Through collaboration with community partners and unwavering commitment to improvement, the team are making a positive and lasting impact on the community.”

To learn more and stay up to date with the Household Support Fund, visit our website.

We have recently had a reports of a scam SMS text message received by residents in Derby. The message advised that the resident was eligible for £900 from HSF if they clicked on a link and paid £1 for their bank details for monies to be paid. This is a scam. If you have received this text or have a similar message you are worried is part of a scam, please visit our scam webpage to learn more about how to report it.