Winter Fuel Allowance means-testing 'a serious mistake' - councillors agree actions to try to help pensioners affected
Proposed changes to Winter Fuel Allowance (WFA) have been widely criticised by councillors of all political groups on North East Lincolnshire Council.
Councillors agreed a package of actions to try to mitigate the impact of future means-testing. These include to lobby for the Pensions Credit threshold to be adjusted, and a three month extension to application deadlines, for it to be in line with WFA.
Under the government's plans, only those on Pension Credit or certain other benefits will be eligible to the one-off £200-£300 WFA payment per household each year. 26,100 pensioners in North East Lincolnshire would miss out, or 85 per cent, compared to now.
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The council also committed in the amended motion passed to an awareness campaign for Pensions Credit and Savings Credit, and to look at how future £1.6m Household Support Fund cash locally can be used to help pensioners access support.
'Winter Fuel Allowance change 'a serious mistake'
Liberal Democrat Cllr Nicola Aisthorpe tabled the original motion, and called the planned means-testing "a serious mistake". "These are real people, our grandparents, neighbours and friends, who could be forced to make the unbearable choice between heating their homes or feeding themselves this winter." She said councillors had "a moral duty" to stand up for pensioners.
Labour Cllr Matt Patrick introduced his group's proposed amendment. Its several elements included asking for pension credit application deadlines to be extended by three months. "It's fair to say many of us were surprised by this decision," he said of WFA's means-testing.
He said the Labour group wanted to push "something positive and meaningful". They had contacted charities involved on this issue. Cllr Emma Clough, who seconded the amendment, said charities had been clear what would help. On three months extra time for Pension Credit applications, she said: "A local charity has said that would make the most amount of difference."
'Lifeline for many older people'
Conservative council leader Cllr Philip Jackson said he was "perfectly happy to support the Labour amendment", though criticised the Labour government. He moved another amendment to state "the best outcome for our residents" would be scrapping the WFA changes.
"What I'm hearing from people is they're angry about the fact this money's being taken away. I think this motion needs to acknowledge that fact people are very angry about what this Labour government has done."
Cllr Ian Lindley, supporting, said the WFA's "been a lifeline for many older people across our borough". "Those 26,100 pensioners are not living the Life of Riley."
"I note the sudden concern that the leader's got for poverty in the borough," said Labour Cllr Sophia Farren. "My mum is just literally a few pounds over the threshold.
"What she's concerned about is her grandchildren, who've just had 14 years of cuts in education," she said. Her Labour and Co-op colleague Cllr Malcolm Morland called the WFA change "a fundamental error". "I for one regret that it's been brought forward." He accused the Conservatives of hypocrisy, claiming: "They were in power for 14 years and they backed every cut going."
Others shared concerns about the impact the removal of the £200-£300 payment could have. Lib Dem Cllr Loyd Emmerson said: "Many of them are just managing and some are already struggling." He warned pensioners could cut back on things such as social activities.
"That's BS, frankly," was Conservative Cllr Stan Shreeve's view of any suggestion the state pension triple lock rise would cover the impact of the removal of WFA. A letter in recent days told him his own fuel costs would go up £70 a month.
'Fed up' Mayor
The debate, and one before, was tetchy at times. Reform Cllr Oliver Freeston stood up to take aim at Labour councillors, saying: "Virtue signalling, hypocritical lefties. You lot are a disgrace."
In response, Mayor and Liberal Democrat Cllr Steve Beasant said: "Can we get on with an actual debate here rather than playing petty squabbles, I'm just getting fed up of it tonight." He had to intervene at several points.
Labour's amendment was passed with 38 votes for, and only Independent Group for North East Lincolnshire Cllr Steve Holland abstaining, because of Pension Credit threshold change concerns. The Conservative amendment was contentious. Cllr Patrick called it "antagonistic and aggressive". Independent Group Cllr Paul Henderson said: "It's just a petty chance for somebody to have a go at somebody else." It passed 21-18.
The overall motion was unanimously agreed. Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes MP Melanie Onn's vote to not reverse the WFA change was criticised. Cllr Aisthorpe expressed her disappointment, while Cllr Freeston wanted another amendment.
He wanted Ms Onn condemned for what he described as a "callous decision". No-one else supported. Ms Onn has stated in a public letter her WFA vote was a "difficult decision", but cited concessions after writing to the Chancellor, such as the Household Support Fund's extension.