Text message scam alert – beware!
We are urging residents to be aware of a text message scam that asks the recipient to clink on a link to confirm their address for air fryer delivery and to pay £1. This has not been sent by North Lincolnshire Council. If you receive a text message of this nature, it is a scam. Do not provide any details or click any links within the message.
Over 1000 pensioners in North Lincolnshire have received a free air fryer from North Lincolnshire Council and more than 5000 more will be on their way in the next few weeks. Over 1300 slow cookers and almost 400 one cup kettles will also be delivered.
The free energy efficient cooking appliances scheme was brought in following the vast majority of local pensioners having the winter fuel allowance scrapped.
The lowest income pensioners have already received £200 from the council.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Many pensioners are struggling to pay their energy bills and relied on the winter fuel payment at this time of the year when energy bills soar, particularly as the temperatures have plummeted and 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.
“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. We also hope that we can encourage some healthier eating too, that’s why we will be providing over sessions to over 700 older residents who want to know how to use their air fryer efficiently and to learn some new recipes.
“We have delivered over 1000 appliances and are working hard to get the rest into the hands of local pensioners as fast as we can – but with the big numbers this will take some time.”
Frank Cooper of Kelsey Ave, Scunthorpe, who has received a free air fryer, said: “Since we got it, we’ve not used the gas oven at all.
“We can do quick meals cheaply as there is just 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.”
The council already provide an energy switching service, provide open access libraries which serve as warm locations, provide packages for older people in leisure, invest in older and disabled persons free bus pass and provide free car parking.
Registrations for the scheme have now closed – but anyone who has registered will receive an appliance – people do not need to re-contact the council.
The money for the appliances and the £200 comes from the Household Support Fund.
