Kingston Council has condemned the Chancellor’s plans to cut the winter fuel allowance for pensioners, with concerns the policy could push some residents into fuel poverty.
In a motion that was unanimously passed with cross-party support, the council pledged to write to Chancellor Rachel Reeves to express their opposition to the announcement, and urge a review of the decision.
Councillor James Giles, who proposed the motion, said it was a chance to make the voice of local government heard. He added: “This Labour government has betrayed pensioners, both here in Kingston and across the country.”
Kingston Council’s portfolio holder for adult social care and public health, Councillor Sabah Hamed, also spoke in favour of the motion. She said: “We will always put the elderly and most vulnerable at the centre of our priorities and I’m determined we will get support to those who most need it ahead of the winter.”
The motion also included a request for assurances that those most vulnerable would be protected from falling into fuel poverty.
The council’s decision comes as the government plans to roll back the allowance for all pensioners, except those currently claiming pension credits.
Under the proposals, this would cut the number of payments from 11.4 million to 1.5 million, with expected savings of £1.4bn.
However, there were concerns amongst council members that not all pensioners living in Kingston who are eligible for pension credits are currently claiming the benefit.
Councillor Hamed said the council would be working to contact all 190 households in the borough where this was the case.
She also said work was underway to identify pensioner households who received incomes less than £1000 above the threshold necessary to apply for pension credits.
This would allow them to claim up to £300 from the Kingston Household Support Fund.
159 households have currently been identified.
The council also plans to promote the uptake of pension credits through council services and local charity and community partnerships.
Council-led adult social care teams are currently reaching out to those with low incomes who receive care to offer them benefit maximisation and financial health checks.
Kingston resident Jackie Childs contacted the Household Support Fund team for help.
She said: “Because I am £3 over the level to be able to apply for pension credits I am not entitled, therefore I don’t qualify for any heating payments.”
She added: “I have bought lots of candles because I cannot afford to put my electric heating on. My electric is already £70 per week, without using the heaters.”
However, some council members have criticised the need for local government intervention, given the limited funding available.
Councillor Rowena Bass said: “It is disappointing that council funds are going to have to be used to sort out this issue which Labour have caused for residents…I think we leave ourselves very open if the council is going to have to fund any shortfall.”
A Kingston Labour Party spokesperson said: “The previous government wrecked our economy, creating a £22 billion blackhole. Labour is committed to ensuring that financial support is directed to those who need it most after 14 years of low growth, cuts, and mismanagement that’s left so many struggling to make ends meet.
“The government has also extended the Household Support Fund with an additional £421 million, to support local authorities like Kingston Council to assist vulnerable families. The Low Income Family Tracker will help identify households earning less than £1,000 above the pension credit threshold, as they may qualify for further benefits.
“We commend Kingston Council for effectively supporting the government’s efforts to allocate public funds where they are most needed.”
Advice on how to claim pension credits and access other means of support is available on the council website.
Politics Editor of the Kingston Courier. Please get in touch if you have any local stories or political issues you wish to share that might be of interest!
