The stark number of Nuneaton pensioners who stand to have winter fuel allowance cut

Thousands of pensioners across Nuneaton face losing their winter fuel payments
-Credit: (Image: GETTY)


Almost 15,000 pensioners in the Nuneaton area face losing their winter fuel allowance payment. The actual figure for the Nuneaton constituency, which includes Arley and Hartshill, stands at 14,992 people.

The total figure for the whole borough, including Bedworth, is likely to be significantly more. It is for this reason that the local Conservatives believe that the impact of the cut needs to be debated locally.

As of this winter, only those who who claim pension credit or other means-tested benefits will receive help with their fuel bills. The local Tories say that this issue, along with four others, needs to be discussed by local councillors.

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They put forward a number of motions all of which will be debated at an extraordinary meeting at the Town Hall next week. In regards to the winter fuel payment cuts, the group's motion reads: "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 Nuneaton and Bedworth 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."

It calls on the council to agree to a number of measures which include bringing forward a council-led local awareness campaign to alert those eligible for Pension Credit, which may increase those who could then receive the winter fuel allowance.

Also to request the council leader to 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.

To also lobby the new MPS to ask them to support local residents by voting against the changes in Parliament. The motion also calls for the council to commit to signing the ‘Save the Winter Fuel Payment for Struggling Pensioners’ petition being run by Age UK and to encourage local efforts to promote Pension Credit uptake through council services and partnerships with local charities and community organisations.

The extraordinary meeting is being held on Friday, October 4 at the Town Hall from 6pm. Any member of the public can attend.

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