More than 6,000 pensioners in total will be receiving free air fryers in North Lincolnshire, courtesy of the council.
It is part of government-funded council support for pensioners this winter, following the significant reduction in entitlement to the Winter Fuel Allowance.
Pensioners were able to apply late last year for various energy-efficient cooking appliances to receive for free from the council. In addition to the air fryers, over 1,300 slow cookers and nearly 400 one-cup kettles will be sent out in the coming weeks.
Frank Cooper, from Kelsey Avenue, Scunthorpe, is one of the recipients of a free air fryer. “Since we got it, we’ve not used the gas oven at all,” he said. “We can do quick meals cheaply as there are just the two of us, and there is no waste. It’s really easy to use and saves on washing up too. I even did crispy roast potatoes for Christmas in it. It’s marvellous.”
North Lincolnshire Council leader, Cllr Rob Waltham, said: “Many pensioners are struggling to pay their energy bills and relied on the Winter Fuel Payment at this time of year, particularly as energy bills soar and temperatures have plummeted. At North Lincolnshire Council, we want to do our bit to help. Thousands of pensioners have registered to get a free energy-efficient cooking appliance and have expressed an interest in healthy cooking lessons.
“This will help them reduce their bills and enable them to cook nutritious, healthy meals.” The scheme has been funded via the council’s sixth allocation of the Government’s Household Support Fund (HSF), covering October to 31 March 2025.
The free air fryer scheme was opt-in, with pensioners required to register their interest either via an online form or by visiting a council community hub, where staff could assist with registration. The cooking appliances were limited to one per household.
The application period has now closed. However, anyone who registered will receive their free appliance and does not need to contact the council.
Additionally, through the HSF, the lowest-income pensioners who previously received the Winter Fuel Allowance have been awarded £200. They were contacted directly by the council and offered this support via cash through the Post Office voucher scheme.
Overall, £750,000 of the £1.3m awarded to the council through the latest HSF round is being directed towards pensioners’ support. The remainder is focused on families.
Through previous HSF rounds, the council also organised free community-led air fryer cookery courses for families. More than 1,000 families participated and received a free air fryer upon completing the course.
This initiative has continued in the latest round. “Every year the council reviews and sets out how we can support our older residents, and this year, following the removal of the government fuel payment, we have stepped up and supported our communities,” said Cllr Waltham. “We also hope to encourage some healthier eating too, which is why we will be providing sessions to over 700 older residents who want to know how to use their air fryer efficiently and learn some new recipes.”
Cllr Waltham advised there may be a slight wait for those who have registered but not yet received their free cooking appliance. “We have delivered over 1,000 appliances and are working hard to get the rest into the hands of local pensioners as fast as we can – but with the large numbers, this will take some time.”
The free cooking appliances and cookery lessons are in addition to existing council measures, such as packages for older people in leisure and an energy-switching service.
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