Council to debate call to government to save Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners
The Labour Government plans to restrict Winter Fuel Payments to only those pensioners in receipt of Pension Credit or other benefits. This means the vast majority of pensioners would no longer receive Winter Fuel Payments.
Hinckley Lib Dem Councillor Michael Mullaney has submitted a motion to Hinckley and Bosworth Council calling on the Council to back a campaign to save the payments particularly for those pensioners most in need.
Michael said “I have spoken to many pensioners in Hinckley and Bosworth who are angry about losing their Winter Fuel Payments.
“Under the governments current plans a staggering 92.5% of pensioners in Hinckley and Bosworth are set to lose their Winter Fuel Payments. With well over 9 in 10 pensioners locally set to lose the payments it’s clear that many of those who will lose out are pensioners who are struggling to make ends meet. This combined with the energy price cap increase due in October will also likey force many pensioners into poverty.
“I hope the Council can support my motion and I hope the Labour government listens and changes its plans. To remove the Winter Fuel Payment from almost all pensioners is bound to push more pensioners into poverty.”
The motion calling for Winter Fuel Payments to be maintained will be debated at the Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council full council meeting on Tuesday 3rd September.