The only Labour member of Mid Sussex District Council was a lone voice in voting against a Conservative motion criticising the government's decision to remove the Winter Fuel Payment to the elderly and most vulnerable.
Conservative Cllr Jim Knight asked the full council meeting to express its concern at changes to the Winter Fuel Allowance and to write to the government requesting protection of pensioners from Fuel Poverty.
The motion was seconded by fellow Conservative Malcolm Avery. With a minor Independent Group amendment (agreed by the Conservatives), the motion was backed by members across the council chamber except for the solitary Labour councillor who voted against, and one member who abstained.
Cllr Knight told the meeting that Age UK says the government's decision will leave two million pensioners nationwide, with a considerable number living within the Mid Sussex District Area, badly needing the money to stay warm will not receive it.
"Giving rise to either ‘heat or eat’ dilemmas and safeguarding health. • While some pensioners within Mid Sussex currently in receipt of the Winter Fuel Payment may not require it, many thousands across our District sit just above the cut-off for Pension Credit and will now lose this valuable allowance."
Cllr Avery called on the council to
• Bring forward a Council-led local awareness campaign to alert those eligible to Pension Credit which in some respects will help access to the Winter Fuel Payments for those most in need.
• Request the Council Leader and other Group Leaders 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,
• Encourage local efforts to promote Pension Credit through council services and partnerships with local charities and community organisations to ensure that all eligible pensioners in Mid Sussex are supported in claiming their entitlement.
The Conservative Party is running an online petition against the cuts. Sign HERE
