Free air fryer, kettle or slow cooker offered to state pensioners born prior to 1959
In a move to help older residents through tough financial times, North Lincolnshire Council is rolling out free energy-saving cooking appliances for pensioners. The scheme is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Household Support Fund and aims to ease money worries by giving out more efficient kitchen kit.
What the scheme offers
State pensioners who live in North Lincolnshire can apply to receive one of the following energy-efficient appliances: air fryers, slow cookers, or one-cup kettles. These items are given as outright gifts to support the community, especially those the council calls “hard-up and skint older people.”
The council runs the scheme under the name “Energy Saving Devices – Pensioners Phase 2”, signalling a continuation of practical help aimed at reducing household energy use.
Who can apply and how
To qualify, pensioners must live in North Lincolnshire and be at state pension age, which is 66 years old. They must have been born before 1959, so they will be the right age by 31 March 2026.
Anyone who has already received an appliance from previous schemes cannot apply again. Only one appliance will be given per eligible household to ensure fair distribution.
Applicants must fill in a form to register their interest, but registering does not guarantee they will get an appliance. When collecting the item, recipients will need to show valid proof of age and an address that matches their registration details.
Collection and distribution
Appliances will be delivered to collection hubs from mid-September. These hubs act as pick-up points where recipients can collect their chosen device after showing the required ID and proof of address.
The council will not provide any warranty on the appliances. They will not accept responsibility for damage caused by human error or misuse, and they will not issue receipts for warranty claims.
Funding and community benefits
The scheme is paid for via the DWP Household Support Fund, which gives money to local councils to use as they see fit to help residents. North Lincolnshire Council has chosen to spend some of that funding on these energy-saving devices.
By targeting local needs, the programme aims to recognise the financial pressures on pensioners and provide tangible help. The appliances can reduce household energy bills and encourage healthier cooking — there are even free cooking sessions linked to the scheme.
Overall, North Lincolnshire Council’s effort shows a practical way to support older residents, offering immediate help and a sense of local solidarity. As energy costs and the wider cost of living rise, schemes like this can make a real difference and may prompt other areas to try similar approaches. The programme also raises questions about our wider responsibilities to older generations and encourages collective action and awareness.