CALLS for a rethink on the axing of the winter fuel payment to all pensioners have been backed amid fears tens of thousands will be affected in Gloucestershire.

Stroud District Council agreed after a heated debate to write to the Chancellor asking her to review the decision to means test the £200 grant for heating that the over 65s were entitled to.

Councillor Demelza Turner-Wilkes (C, Hardwicke), who put forward the motion at last week’s meeting, said the payments are a lifeline for some.

Almost 29,000 people affected 

She said the district there are almost 29,000 over 65s living in the district and by 2035 it is expected to have the highest number of pensioners in Gloucestershire.

“Winter fuel payments play a major role in helping some older residents of Stroud and pensioners across the UK afford heating during the coldest months of the year," she said. 

“The additional strain this will place on vulnerable pensioners, many of whom do not claim pension credit despite being eligible, further exacerbates their financial hardship.”

She said the move was unfair and would leave many without the desperate support they need.

"We have got to take serious decisions"

Labour group leader Terry Cook (L, Dursley) sarcastically thanked the council for the motion.

“This is the first full council meeting I have attended as leader of the Labour group and you give me this. Thanks very much.”

He presented a successful amendment to the motion which changed the wording to recognise the “dire financial situation” the new Labour government has inherited from the Conservatives.

“The dire financial situation that we face is widely reported as being £22bn. That’s a huge number.

“If anyone here believes the Labour group wanted to upset pensioners or hurt pensioners, then I’m sorry but you do not understand Labour members.

“However, we are a serious party and consequently we have got to take serious decisions.”

He said one of those decisions was to means test the winter fuel allowance.

Councillor David Drew (L, Stroud Central) said he didn’t need the £200 and said the payment was badly targeted.

“We should target the resources where those people who most need it should be able to bring it down in terms of how they can deal with the problem.

Cllr Lindsey Green (C, Berkeley Vale) said the motion was not brought forward as a political football but for concern of residents.

“I am really disappointed that so many people feel this is just something we can toss around in this chamber and almost make fun of.”

Councillor Steve Hyndside (G, The Stanleys), who seconded the original motion, quoted at the meeting frontline workers who have talked about the “fear” that many pensioners have as they feel forced to choose between heating and eating this winter.

Age UK estimates that 2.5 million people will face hardship as a result of this cut, which will see only those entitled to Pension Credit receiving winter fuel payments.

The motion also welcomes the council’s action of writing to pensioners in the district who may be eligible for Pension Credit, to encourage them to apply, and it calls on the government to invest in home insulation for a long-term reduction in heating bills and energy use, and improvements to health.

Cllr Hyndside said: “The previous Conservative government failed to invest in bringing homes up to modern standards of insulation and energy efficiency.

“That’s something this new Labour government needs to get a grip on, especially in places like Stroud District with so many older properties.

“Insulating homes is the surest way to bring down energy bills and end the awful choice that some people are facing between heating and eating.

"There are still too many older people living in fuel poverty and cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment will make this situation worse.”

The council voted unanimously to approve the motion.