North Warwickshire Borough Council has committed to helping elderly residents in the Borough who will miss out on Winter Fuel payments.

North Warwickshire Borough Council has committed to helping elderly residents in the Borough who will miss out on Winter Fuel payments following the Government’s decision to reduce the number of people who are now eligible.

Councillor David Wright proposed a motion at the Council meeting on the 17th of October setting out the Council’s opposition to the Government’s decision and proposing a measure of compensation for those who just miss out on the new criteria due to not being in receipt of the qualifying benefits. The Council will therefore make a one-off payment of £100 to those over 66 who no longer receive the Winter Fuel Payment and are in receipt of Council Tax support. No application process will be needed as the Council can make the payments direct to those residents.

Speaking after the Council meeting, Councillor Wright said:

“I am appalled at the decision that the Government has made on Winter Fuel payments which will leave very many people concerned about heating costs this winter. Our particular concern is that group of residents who always seem to just miss out on help due to not being in receipt of particular types of benefits. We do not have the resources to fully rectify this very harmful decision by the Government but by targeting £55,000 we can reinstate around half of the average Winter Fuel payment to that particular group.”

Councillor Wright’s proposal also saw a further £35,000 added to the Council’s Hardship Fund to help residents facing financial pressures and is in addition to the significantly increased staff resources the Council must help people facing financial challenges. North Warwickshire Borough Council’s Financial Inclusion team works hard with residents to maximise incomes, find ways back into work and offers practical help with everyday cost of living pressures. The team are currently working with those residents who may be eligible for Pension Credit but are not currently claiming this.
 

Published: Friday, 18th October 2024