Agenda item
To consider the following motion, notice of which has been duly given in accordance with Procedure Rule No. 4.12.1 by Councillors J Oates, M Summer, T Clements, P Turner, S Doyle and S Smith
To discuss the Labour Government’s recent decision to restrict the Winter Fuel Payment to only pensioners in receipt of means-tested benefits like Pension Credit (Further information attached).
Minutes:
Council considered the following motion, notice of which has been duly given in accordance with Procedure Rule No. 4.12.1 by Councillors J Oates, M Summer, T Clements, P Turner, S Doyle and S Smith.
To discuss the Labour Government’s recent decision to restrict the Winter Fuel Payment to only pensioners in receipt of means-tested benefits like Pension Credit
The following motion was moved
That this Council Notes:
1. The Labour Government’s recent decision to restrict the Winter Fuel Payment to only pensioners in receipt of means-tested benefits like Pension Credit, as announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
2. The estimated impact of this decision, which Age UK says will mean 2 million pensioners who badly need the money to stay warm this winter will not receive it.
3. The significant role that Winter Fuel Payments play in helping older residents of Tamworth and across the UK afford heating during the coldest months, thereby preventing 'heat or eat' dilemmas and safeguarding health.
4. The criticism from Age UK, the Countryside Alliance and other charities, highlighting the social injustice and potential health risks posed by this sudden policy change.
5. The additional strain this decision will place on vulnerable pensioners, many of whom do not claim Pension Credit despite being eligible, further exacerbating their financial hardship.
That this Council believes:
1. That the Winter Fuel Payment has been a lifeline for many older people across the UK and that restricting its availability solely to those on Pension Credit risks leaving many pensioners in financial hardship.
2. While some pensioners currently in receipt of the Winter Fuel Payment may not require it, many thousands across Tamworth sit just above the cut-off for Pension Credit and will now lose their allowance.
3. The decision to means-test Winter Fuel Payments, especially with such short notice and without adequate compensatory measures, is deeply unfair and will disproportionately affect the health and well-being of our poorest older residents.
4. The government’s approach fails to consider the administrative barriers and stigma that prevent eligible pensioners from claiming Pension Credit, leaving many without the support they desperately need.
That this Council resolves to:
1. Bring forward a Council-led local awareness campaign to alert those eligible of Pension Credit which in some respects will help access to the Winter Fuel Payment for those most in need.
(Moved by Councillor J Oates and seconded by Councillor T Clements)
Councillor C Dean moved a motion for items under that this council notes and that this council believes to be considered and voted as one item and for items under that this council resolves to be considered and voted individually.
(Moved by Councillor C Dean and seconded by Councillor J Oates)
This motion was passed
The following motions were discussed and debated
That this Council Notes:
1. The Labour Government’s recent decision to restrict the Winter Fuel Payment to only pensioners in receipt of means-tested benefits like Pension Credit, as announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
2. The estimated impact of this decision, which Age UK says will mean 2 million pensioners who badly need the money to stay warm this winter will not receive it.
3. The significant role that Winter Fuel Payments play in helping older residents of Tamworth and across the UK afford heating during the coldest months, thereby preventing 'heat or eat' dilemmas and safeguarding health.
4. The criticism from Age UK, the Countryside Alliance and other charities, highlighting the social injustice and potential health risks posed by this sudden policy change.
5. The additional strain this decision will place on vulnerable pensioners, many of whom do not claim Pension Credit despite being eligible, further exacerbating their financial hardship.
That this Council believes:
1. That the Winter Fuel Payment has been a lifeline for many older people across the UK and that restricting its availability solely to those on Pension Credit risks leaving many pensioners in financial hardship.
2. While some pensioners currently in receipt of the Winter Fuel Payment may not require it, many thousands across Tamworth sit just above the cut-off for Pension Credit and will now lose their allowance.
3. The decision to means-test Winter Fuel Payments, especially with such short notice and without adequate compensatory measures, is deeply unfair and will disproportionately affect the health and well-being of our poorest older residents.
4. The government’s approach fails to consider the administrative barriers and stigma that prevent eligible pensioners from claiming Pension Credit, leaving many without the support they desperately need.
These motions were voted en bloc and the motions were not carried.
The following motions were voted for individually
That Council resolves to
1. Bring forward a Council-led local awareness campaign to alert those eligible of Pension Credit which in some respects will help access to the Winter Fuel Payment for those most in need.
The following amendment to this motion was moved by Councillor C Dean and seconded by Councillor J Oates that the motion be changed to:
Continue with a Council led awareness campaign to alert those eligible of Pension Credit which in some respects will help access to the Winter Fuel Payment for those most in need.
This motion was passed.
2. Request that the Council Leader write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, urging a review of the decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment and asking the government to ensure that vulnerable pensioners, particularly those who do not claim Pension Credit, are protected from fuel poverty.
3. Commit the Council to protect those pensioners living alone who will lose their winter fuel allowance from the potential of also losing their single persons council tax relief.
This motion was not carried
4. Commit the Council to signing the ‘Save the Winter Fuel Payment for Struggling Pensioners’ petition being run by Age UK and write to all members offering them the opportunity to sign the petition themselves.
This motion was not carried
5. Encourage local efforts to promote Pension Credit uptake through council services and partnerships with local charities and community organisations such as Community Together CIC to ensure that all eligible pensioners in Tamworth are supported in claiming their entitlement.
A motion was moved by Councillor C Dean and seconded by Councillor M Couchman to amend the wording to
5. That this Council welcomes the Government decision to extend the household support fund with a further £421 million and that we continue to support local efforts to encourage local efforts to promote Pension Credit uptake through council services and partnerships with local charities and community organisations such as Community Together CIC heart of Tamworth and Home Energy Advice Tamworth to ensure that all eligible pensioners in Tamworth are supported in claiming their entitlement.
(Moved by Councillor C Dean and seconded by Councillor M Couchman)
This amendment was passed
The motion was carried
Supporting documents:
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