Issue - meetings

To consider the following Motion in the names of Councillors Munro and Davies;

“This Council notes:

1)    The recent announcement by the Labour Government to end universal winter fuel payments and restrict eligibility to only those in receipt of Pension Credits and other benefits;

2)    Though many argue that universal winter fuel payments are not necessary, Council is deeply concerned that many pensioners on lower and middle incomes will not now receive the payments. Across England and Wales, the number of people eligible for Winter Fuel Payments will fall by 10 million (from 11.4 million to only 1.5 million);

3)    In Kirklees the number of pensioners affected by the change in eligibility criteria is 63,108. That means that just under 88% of pensioners in Kirklees currently eligible for winter fuel payments will no longer be able to claim the payment from this winter onwards.

This Council:

1)    Believes that the Labour Government has set the threshold at which pensioners do not qualify for winter fuel payments far too low. Only those receiving a pension of less than £218.15 a week (or £332.95 a week for couples) are eligible for pension credits. This is significantly lower than the living wage rate;

2)    Is also concerned by the low take up of Pension Credit, with only 63% of those eligible nationwide receiving them – and over 880,000 pensioners not doing so. Council recognises the role we have to play to increase awareness of benefits, such as Pension Credit, to ensure people are aware of the support they are entitled to;

3)    Further notes that the price most households pay for gas and electricity will rise by 10% on average from October this year, which combined by theremoval of winter fuel payments, will push thousands of local pensioners into fuel poverty. 

This Council, therefore, resolves to:

1)    Instruct the Chief Executive to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer calling for the policy on linking winter fuel payments to Pension Credit receipt to be immediately paused and introduce a new threshold to determine eligibility for winter fuel payments. Council further requests the Chief Executive write to all MPs covering Kirklees, asking them to give their formal support to halting the changes to the winter fuel payment eligibility;

2)    Request all group leaders at Kirklees Council sign a joint letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer calling for the new winter fuel payment policy to be suspended and reviewed;

3)    Urgently commence a significant awareness campaign to maximise uptake of Pension Credits. This will include use of council noticeboards, social media, promotion in local press and targeted letters to those who may be eligible.”

Item not considered (Meeting terminated in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 16:2).