Spalding councillor slams ‘cruel blow’ of axing winter fuel allowance

A senior councillor says the authority has a duty to support pensioners following the ‘cruel blow’ with the axing of winter fuel payment for some people.

Coun Gary Taylor, South Holland District Councils portfolio holder for community development, called on older residents to apply for pension credit.

Earlier this month, the Government announced its plan to cut the winter fuel allowance to help fill the £22b budget blackhole. More than 22,000 pensioners in South Holland and the Deepings are expected to lose the payment.

At Tuesday’s cabinet meeting Coun Taylor said the government’s decision to pull universal winter credit was a ‘cruel blow’ and that it shows that they are ‘out of touch’

He said: “We are not here to campaign to look after wealthy millionaires but the poorest pensioners.”

See also: Figures show the number of people who will lose their winter fuel payment

Coun Taylor also encouraged elderly people to apply for pension credit in a bid to see their fuel allowance restored.

He said: “We have a duty to support residents and enhance their quality of life. We do know many poorest pensioners will be affected by this.

“We do need to be there to support and give advice.”

Emily Spicer, assistant director of wellbeing and community leadership, also urged people to apply for pension credit and stated that figures from February showed that 2,000 people were in recepit of this benefit.

She also stated that advice signposting residents of where to seek help will be issued in the coming months.

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