To receive Motions on Notice under Council Procedure Rule 12.

MOTION:  Winter Fuel Allowance and protecting pensioners from fuel poverty.

This Council is very concerned by the recent decision of the government, confirmed by a House of Commons vote on 10th September 2024,  to restrict the Winter Fuel Payment to only pensioners in receipt of certain means-tested benefits.  This will affect over 2 million pensioners nationally and, in East Lindsey,  over 36000 vulnerable pensioners will now not receive the Winter Fuel Payment. Forcing many into “ heat or eat” dilemmas during the coldest months of the year with direct impacts on health and wellbeing. 

Leading charities including, Age UK, highlight the social injustice and the health risks of this sudden policy change and the additional strain this will place on some of our most vulnerable residents, many of whom don’t claim Pension Credit despite being eligible.

We ask that this Council:

·       Continue to promote the uptake of the Pension Credit benefit through Council services, partnerships, charities and community organisations. We need to make sure our most vulnerable pensioners are supported in claiming their entitlement.

·       To support our residents across the district, this council should register its strong disapproval with the government and Members of Parliament for taking away the winter fuel payment. It fails to acknowledge the plight of those now discriminated against who do not qualify within the threshold for support and yet fall below the income level of those who do not need the payment. Many of our rural residents, unlike their metropolitan cousins, do not have the luxury of having a gas supply to their homes and in the case of oil, wood, LPG and solid fuel must pay upfront prior to delivery for their winter fuel. Finding a large sum to cover this cost can and does force people into very dire straits. The unintended consequences have not all been identified or even been considered.

·       Commits to signing the ‘Save the Winter Fuel Payment for Struggling Pensioners’ petition being run by Age UK and write to all members offering them the opportunity to sign the petition themselves.

Proposed Cllr Carl Macey

Seconded Cllr Dan McNally