The Leader of Braintree District Council, Cllr Graham Butland, will be writing to the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, urging a review of the decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment.
This follows the council passing a motion at its meeting of Full Council on Monday, 23 September.
Cllr Butland is asking the Government to ensure that vulnerable pensioners, particularly those who do not claim Pension Credit, are protected from fuel poverty, following the recent change in criteria to qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment.
Age UK has said as many as 2 million pensioners who rely on this money to stay warm will not receive it this year.
Around 30,000 residents in the Braintree district currently receive the Winter Fuel Payment, with only 2,000 in receipt of pension credit.
Cllr Graham Butland, Leader of Braintree District Council, said: “The decision to restrict the winter fuel payment, especially with such short notice and without adequate compensatory measures, will have a detrimental effect on elderly residents across the district which has undoubtedly caused significant concern. It is a lifeline for many people to support them with heating during the coldest months and restricting its availability solely to those on pension credit risks leaving many pensioners in financial hardship. We are doing what we can to lobby government to reverse this decision, and also ensure residents have access to support and funding to help stay warm this winter.”
Braintree District Council is sharing information with residents about the changes, helping those who do qualify for Pension Credit to claim it and support available for those who do not qualify. This will also be available as part of a winter fuel allowance booklet.
Warm spaces continue to operate across the district and residents can find out more on the council’s website. Work is underway to update the warm space list, making it accessible both digitally and printed. Residents are being encouraged to get in touch if there is a warm space in their community that isn’t listed and if communities would like advice about providing a warm space by emailing communityservices@braintree.gov.uk.
The council is also looking to work with local organisations who work directly with the elderly, families and those on low incomes, to distribute electric blankets this winter.
Cllr Mary Cunningham, Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities at Braintree District Council, said: “As a council it’s important we play our part in raising awareness to those who are eligible for the payments. We also continue to take action to ensure the most vulnerable in the district are supported through our £1m cost of living fund via a range of initiatives.”
The council will also be supporting the ‘Save the Winter Fuel Payment for Struggling Pensioners’ petition being run by Age UK with all Council Members invited to sign the petition.