Vulnerable older people in Kent facing “difficult decisions about energy or food” this winter will benefit from an additional £1 million of support.

Kent County Council hopes to use the money, issued by the Department for Work and Pensions, to provide targeted support to older people who are struggling financially and do not qualify for pension credit and fuel allowance.

The winter fuel payment was previously paid to all pensioners to help with energy bills, but in July the government said the payment would now only be made to those on low incomes receiving certain benefits.

The council’s support plan includes vouchers for food or energy depending on the person’s needs.