SOLIHULL Councillors have backed plans to call on the Government to pause Winter Fuel Payment cuts.
Edward Fitter (Cons) put forward a motion at Full Council on October 8 which will see the Council do their bit to help those who will be left without this winter.
The vote was backed by the majority of Councillors.
The Knowle Councillor said: “Many residents have already turned their heating on, as temperatures now start to fall way below 18 degrees, both outside and inside our homes. But I fear too many will be holding back, allowing their homes to go cold, because of the financial fear of losing this payment.
“And now without this payment, many will have to genuinely be making the decision on their priorities. Is it heating, eating or other vital necessities.”
Following the motion Solihull Council is expected to bring forward a campaign calling on residents to check if they are eligible for Pension Credit – and therefore the Winter Fuel Payemnt – and highlighting the support Solihull Community Advice Hubs can offer with benefits, energy efficiency and other areas.
The Council, including its Councillors, will also be asked to sign the Save the Winter Fuel Payment for Struggling Pensioners petition set up by Age UK for an immediate halt on the controversial plan.
As part of the motion Coun Ian Courts, Solihull Council leader, has been requested to write to Rachel Reeves MP, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, urging for the decision on whether to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment to be paused while a review on how to implement any changes takes place.
He will also be asked to write to Angela Rayner MP, the deputy prime minister, calling for the government to share data on universal credit recipients in the borough so the Council can send letters to more pensioners and encourage them to apply for pension credit where necassary.
This comes after last month MPs voted restrict Winter Fuel Payments to those not receiving pension credit or other means-tested benefits.
The plans are expected to cut the number of people who get the annual payment from 10.8million last year to 1.5million this winter according to the Department for Work and Pensions.
