Public Service pensioners get one-off cost of living payment

Public Service pensioners have received a one-off summer payment of $450.

Premier Wayne Panton announced Friday evening that the bonus was added to their pension payment for August to help with increased living expenses linked to high fuel costs.

The additional sum was received by pensioners Thursday as the Public Service Pensions Board lodged the payments direct to the accounts of the pensioners.

In a statement, Panton said government was pleased to be able to support Public Service pensioners.

“The impact of the sharp increase in the cost of living is especially pronounced for our pensioners, whose pensions represent a fixed income. This initiative is another example of how we, as a Government, are helping our people survive the rising cost of living,” he said.

The one time payment, the statement said, matches the $150 per month honorarium that was paid to civil servants during June, July and August.

Meanwhile, government’s electricity relief assistance programme is set to end on 30 Sept.

Under the programme, residential customers who have monthly consumption between 101 kWh and 2,000 kWh receive a fuel cost credit.

“No matter how much higher the fuel costs go above $.015/kWh this summer, Government will absorb the difference. For eligible households, electricity customers can expect to see the Government assistance credit of up to $100 off their bill depending on their consumption. Residential customers with usage greater than 2,000 kWh per month and lower than 101 kWh will not qualify for the programme,” a government statement on the programe had stated.

Government spent $1.2 million on the temporary relief in the first month.

Premier Panton has said the government will review the programme, which was initially established to assist homeowners for the summer months, to determine next steps.