Councillors in Stockton have backed a motion urging the Government to reverse its ‘deeply unfair’ decision to stop providing the Winter Fuel Payment to millions of pensioners.
Ministers have introduced means testing for the fuel allowance, meaning only those in receipt of Pension Credit are now eligible.
Across England and Wales, the number of eligible pensioners will fall by ten million, and in Stockton, more than 30,000 people will lose out on the payment.
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council has backed a motion that says it is ‘deeply concerned’ that the cuts will exacerbate financial hardship for pensioners.
The motion, put forward by Conservative councillor Tony Riordan, says the Government failed to consider the administrative barriers and stigma that prevents eligible pensioners from claiming Pension Credit.
The local authority agreed to instruct its leader, Bob Cook, to write to chancellor Rachel Reeves calling for the policy to be immediately reversed.
Cllr Cook will also write to the three local members of parliament to ask for their formal support in reversing the changes.
