Exeter
Exeter Lib Dems propose motion to prevent pensioners going cold
The motion is set to be debated on the 15th October, following Devon County Council passing a similar motion.
CMM
8 Sep 2024
Protecting Devon's Pensioners from biting winter fuel cuts
CAC
8 Sep 2024
Thousands of pensioners across Devon are bracing themselves for a very cold winter with the axing of the Winter Fuel Payments.
This is a cold, callous decision by the new Labour Government - and one they must urgently reconsider.
Over 180,500 pensioners in Devon will lose the Fuel Payments which are being restricted to those receiving Pension Credit.
Undoubtedly, there are better-off pensioners who neither need nor want the Winter Fuel Payments.
They would prefer that if they are to lose the Payments, it went to help those in greatest need.
Nationally, 880,000 pensioners do not claim the Pension Credit they are entitled to. If they did claim, they would also get the Winter Fuel Payment.
Devon County Council, following a Liberal Democrat call for action, is writing to the Chancellor calling for a new threshold to be brought in so more pensioners will continue to receive the Winter Fuel Payment.
We also want to ensure all Pensioners in Devon who could get, but don't now claim Pension Credit, put in an application as soon as possible.
If you think you are entitled to Pension Credit, then please claim. If you know someone who might be entitled, please encourage them to apply.
Many pensioners across Devon will have voted Labour in July, believing in the Party's campaign slogan 'Change'.
They hadn't thought the 'change' Labour meant was that pensioners may not be able to turn on their heating this winter.
I very much hope the new Labour Government spares pensioners the dreadful decision of choosing between eating or heating this winter.
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