Agenda item

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10, to consider motions on notice from Members.

(A)      Motion from Councillor William Fletcher – Winter Fuel Payment

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10, Councillors were able to submit Motions on Notice for consideration at meetings of Council.

Prior to formally moving the motion, Councillor Will Fletcher summarised the concerns received from constituents relating to the removal of the winter fuel payment and shared his concerns as to how this would impact Bolsover residents. Concerns were raised that this not only impacted those who were slightly above the threshold for receiving Pension Credit but also those who chose, for whatever reason, not to claim this benefit despite being entitled.

In response it was confirmed by Councillor Steve Fritchley and Councillor Mary Dooley that the Council was already taking a range of actions with partners to raise awareness, for example on Bolsover TV, including an article in the council’s InTouch magazine, guidance on council and other websites as well as information leaflets in a range of places including contact centres.

Following discussion Councillor Will Fletcher agreed that the motion be amended as shown below:

Motion on winter fuel payment

This Council Notes:

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. 

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. 

The significant role that Winter Fuel Payments play in helping older residents of Bolsover District and across the UK afford heating during the coldest months, thereby preventing 'heat or eat' dilemmas and safeguarding health. 

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. 

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. 

This Council believes: 

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. 

While some pensioners currently in receipt of the Winter Fuel Payment may not require it, many thousands across Bolsover District sit just above the cut-off for Pension Credit and will now lose their allowance. 

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. 

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. 

This Council resolves to:  

Bring forward aacknowledge the 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. 

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. 

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. 

Encourageto acknowledge the council’slocal efforts to promote Pension Credit uptake through council services and partnerships with local charities and community organisations to ensure that all eligible pensioners in Bolsover District are supported in claiming their entitlement.

Councillor Will Fletcher moved the motion, and it was seconded by Councillor Carol Wood.

On being put to the vote the motion was carried.

RESOLVED that this Council:

(1)  acknowledges the 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; 

(2)  requests 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; and

(3)          acknowledges the council’s local efforts to promote Pension Credit uptake through council services and partnerships with local charities and community organisations to ensure that all eligible pensioners in Bolsover District are supported in claiming their entitlement.