Thousands of state pensioners in one UK region are set to receive a free energy-saving kitchen appliance, such as an air fryer, slow cooker, or one-cup kettle, as part of a local council initiative funded by the government.
Who Qualifies for the Free Appliance?
The scheme is being run by North Lincolnshire Council and is specifically for residents of pension age. To be eligible, you must meet several key criteria. Your household address must be within North Lincolnshire, and you must be of state pension age, which is currently 66. This means you need to have been born before 1959 and have completed your 66th birthday on or before 31 March 2026.
Council chiefs have stressed that this is a one-off offer per household. You cannot receive a device if you have already been given one through a previous council scheme. Applicants will also need to provide proof of age and address at the time of collection.
Funding and Delivery Details
The project is made possible through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Household Support Fund. This central government funding is distributed to local authorities, who then decide how best to use it to support their communities. North Lincolnshire has chosen to focus on helping older residents reduce their energy consumption.
Deliveries of the appliances are scheduled to begin from mid-September. They will be sent to local hubs where successful applicants can collect them. The council has clarified that the items are outright gifts, stating: "North Lincolnshire Council is pleased to confirm that the appliance provided to pensioners as part of the 'Energy Saving Devices - Pensioners Phase 2' are outright gifts to support our community."
Important Conditions and Support
Alongside the free appliance, recipients will get access to free healthy cooking sessions designed to help them maximise the use of their new air fryer, slow cooker, or kettle. However, the council has issued a clear disclaimer regarding the devices.
As the appliances are provided free of charge, they are not covered by any warranty from the council. The authority also states it is not responsible for any damage caused by human error or misuse and cannot provide receipts for warranty claims. Registration for the scheme is currently only an expression of interest and does not guarantee receipt of a device.
This initiative highlights a direct local application of national support funding, aiming to alleviate living costs and promote energy efficiency among some of the most vulnerable residents during the ongoing cost-of-living challenges.
