Up to 46,0006 pensioners in receipt of winter fuel payments face means testing for the first time after the new Labour government axed the annual universal payment. Up to 40,000 people in the city could lose the benefit altogether.
The announcement coincides with an increase in the energy price cap of 10% which means pensioners could face soaring fuel bills, plunging as many as two million people into fuel poverty across the country.
The City Council will discuss the emerging crisis on 3rd September after a debate was tabled by the city’s opposition Conservative Group. They want the Council to write to the Chancellor asking her to reconsider the decision.
The winter fuel payments ranged from £100 to £300 and were paid to everyone over the state pension age. From this year, pensioners will only be eligible if they claim pension credits, universal credit and a range of other benefits.
Labour hopes to save around £1.5bn by slashing the payments. But Conservatives say the figures are dwarfed by inflation busting pay rises given to public sector workers in July costing more than £9 bn. This spurred Labour on to borrow an astonishing £3.1bn in its first month in office - £3bn more than forecast by the Office for Budget Responsibility.
Just six in ten pensioners eligible for pension credits claim them leaving around £2.1 bn unclaimed. This means a significant number could also now miss out of winter fuel payments. To combat this the Conservative Group will call on the Council to run an awareness campaign to ensure as many people as possible collect the payment.
The motion will be moved by Opposition Leader, Cllr Gary Ridley. Speaking ahead of the meeting he said: “During the general election campaign, Labour promised to reduce energy bills. But during their first month in power, they’ve axed support for pensioners and presided over a 10% rise in the energy cap. These cuts to the Winter Fuel Allowance are a direct attack on our pensioners, forcing them to choose between heating their homes and putting food on the table. This isn’t fiscal responsibility—it's cruel and unnecessary.”
The motion will be seconded by Shadow Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Roger Bailey. Commenting ahead of the meeting he said: “Let us be clear, this is a political choice by Labour. They managed to find billions for public sector pay rises but chose to slash essential support for the elderly. Their priorities are clear—and they don’t include Coventry’s pensioners. Pensioners are not a burden; they are citizens who have contributed to this country their entire lives and they deserve better.”
Conservative Councillors in Coventry are also backing calls from Age UK to reconsider the decision and are encouraging residents to sign the petition.
