North West Leicestershire District Council is encouraging 'older people to claim pension credit – to retain winter fuel allowance payment'

“As a council we’re concerned that people who need the most financial help will be hit hard by this change."

North West Leicestershire District Council has issued a statement encouraging people in the district to claim the pension credit to unlock their access to winter fuel allowance.

Councillor Michael Wyatt, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Community Services at NWLDC, said: “The cost of living crisis is not over and for many living in our district, the loss of the winter fuel allowance could mean real financial hardship, especially as fuel bills are set to rise this autumn with the energy price cap going up.

“As a council we’re concerned that people who need the most financial help will be hit hard by this change, so we’re raising awareness through our benefits team and social media, whilst calling on the government to pause their work on this and come up with a different solution that doesn’t put so many vulnerable people at risk.”

The North West Leicestershire MP supported the government and voted against an opposition motion calling for the decision to target Winter Fuel Payments targeted at poorer pensioners to be reversed.

The motion was defeated by 348 votes to 228.

Amanda Hack MP wrote to her constituents outlining her decision, she said "The new government will always be honest with you about the nation’s finances and the tough choices that we must take to protect Britain’s economic stability. The Chancellor has been forced to take difficult steps to fill the hole inherited from the previous Conservative government – with overspending, amounting to £22bn this year alone. This includes the decision to target Winter Fuel Payments to the poorest pensioners.

"Along with most of my Labour colleagues, I supported the government in today’s vote against an opposition motion calling for the move to be overturned. Nonetheless I want to reassure you that I made my decision after careful thought and productive discussions with colleagues who, like me, want to see fewer pensioners in poverty. 

"That’s why the government is committed to protecting the ‘triple lock’ on pensions over the lifetime of this parliament. This guarantee saw the state pension rise by over £900 this year. The state pension is projected to increase by over £1,000 in the next five years for around 12 million pensioners.  

"We have also announced a 6-month extension to the Household Support Fund, providing a £421m boost to local authorities. This will give extra cash to local authorities to support those facing hardship with living costs. It can help vulnerable residents with energy and water bills, food and other essential items. We are also prioritising long-term support for pensioners through our Warm Homes Plan, which will support investment in low-carbon heating and upgrade millions of homes over this parliament, helping reduce fuel poverty levels.  

"I want to be clear that Winter Fuel Payments will continue for anyone receiving Pension Credit. This guarantees a minimum income level for pensioners and automatically unlocks other benefits, including a free TV licence, the Warm Home discount and support for housing costs.   

"Thousands of eligible households are not claiming Pension Credit. I am determined to ensure that all those eligible for Pension Credit get it. I have already written to the leader of North West Leicestershire District Council, Cllr Richard Blunt, to request his help identifying eligible households that have yet to claim. I am pleased that council officers are already engaging with the Department for Work and Pensions. I look forward to working with councillors from all parties to ensure those eligible receive payments alongside any other unclaimed support. 

"450 additional staff have been redeployed to the Department of Work and Pensions to support the anticipated surge in claims, which must be submitted by 16 December 2024. Successful claims will be backdated by three months.

"Dedicated constituency surgeries will commence in October to support these efforts. Anyone in North West Leicestershire worried about their circumstances is invited to make an appointment by emailing amanda.hack.mp@parliament.uk . In the meantime, I encourage you, your friends, family and neighbours to check if you or they are eligible for additional support by visiting www.gov.uk/pension-credit/eligibility or calling the Pension Credit claim line at 0800 99 1234.”