Tories condemn decision to scrap winter fuel payments for 20,000 Newcastle OAPs
Councillors will debate a motion condemning the government's decision to axe 'lifeline' winter fuel payments for most pensioners. Labour MPs backed Rachel Reeves' plan to scrap the payments for all but the poorest pensioners earlier this week, with the Chancellor arguing the move is necessary to shore up government finances.
The ruling Conservative group on Newcastle Borough Council has announced it will put forward a motion opposing the decision at this month's full council meeting. They say the change to the Winter Fuel Allowance will affect more than 20,000 pensioners in Newcastle. People who receive pension credit will still be entitled to the payments of up to £300.
Council leader Simon Tagg said: "The Winter Fuel Payment has been a lifeline for many pensioners, helping them to afford heating and avoid the heartbreaking choice between 'heating or eating'. This cut will leave many vulnerable older people without the support they need. We must put pressure on the government and out local MPs to protect our pensioners from falling into fuel poverty."
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Conservative deputy group leader Mark Holland added: "Our council must stand up for the thousands of pensioners in our borough who will be unfairly penalised by this sudden and ill-thought-out policy change. We need to ensure that vulnerable residents are not left out in the cold this winter."
The motion will also criticise the borough's Labour MPs for voting with the government on the change to the winter fuel payments.
Newcastle's Labour MP Adam Jogee has defended his decision in an open letter published on social media, insisting that tackling poverty is a 'genuine priority' for him.
In his letter, Mr Jogee says: "We have ensured that the poorest pensioners in our country get the support they need. Because it cannot be right that some of the richest people in our country received the Winter Fuel Allowance. Reforming the payment to target low-income households or those in fuel poverty ensures that resources are directed towards those most in need.
"The simple truth is we are facing an unprecedented economic challenge, inherited from the previous government that has left all of us having to make extremely difficult choices and sacrifices to get our United Kingdom back on track."
Mr Jogee also said he would be organising a series of 'roving surgeries' across Newcastle to help pensioners claim pension credit if they are entitled to it.