Blackburn with Darwen Council has launched a search for the 600 older residents whom it believes are not claiming Pension Credit, and therefore set to miss out on the Winter Fuel Payment.

The new campaign follows a promise by Labour leader Cllr Phil Riley to act on the issue made to the authority's full Council Forum meeting earlier this month.

It followed a heated debate about the government's decision to restrict the Winter Fuel Payment to recipients of Pension Credit, a means-tested benefit awarded to pensioners, having previously been given to all pensioners irregardless of their wealth.

It is worth around £3,900 a year, but a quarter of those eligible fail to claim it.

Now the council and Age UK Blackburn with Darwen have started their campaign called ‘Don’t rule yourself out’ to find the more than 600 older people in the borough town hall officials believe could be claiming Pension Credit but aren’t.

To be eligible for this year’s Winter Fuel Payment, a claim for Pension Credit must be made by December 21.

The council is sending letters to encourage people to apply who are of pension age and that records show aren’t receiving pension credit.

Older people may be entitled to the benefit even if they have other income, savings, or own their own home.

As well as the Winter Fuel payments, Pension Credit can also lead to other entitlements such as free NHS dental treatment, NHS glasses and free TV Licence for over 75s.

Age UK Blackburn with Darwen is providing expert support to check eligibility and make claims through its offices in Blackburn Library and Darwen Town Hall recognising the process can be confusing for many, especially if they have not claimed the benefit before.

Cllr Riley said: "It makes sense for us to find these 600 people so that they have more money in their pockets.

"Our calculations show that at least £1 million extra could come to Blackburn with Darwen through these payments directly into people’s bank accounts.

"If you receive a letter from us stating that you can claim then please do look into it or get family or friends to help.

"I would really urge anyone who thinks they can claim to take a look at the government’s website and contact Age UK Blackburn with Darwen if you need any support with your application.

"This money is here for a reason – it is there to support you."

Vicky Shepherd, chief executive of Age UK Blackburn with Darwen, said: "We know that people often rule themselves out without checking.

"If you need help our trained advisors can offer support to check entitlement and help to make an application."

Official figures show that Blackburn with Darwen borough will see more than four in five pensioners lose their winter fuel payment, with the number in receipt dropping from more than 20,000 to just 3,835.