5785 over 80s at risk of losing Winter Fuel Payments

5785 over 80s at risk of losing Winter Fuel Payments in Derbyshire Dales as Lib Dems calls on the government to reconsider their proposals. 

5785 of those aged over 80 in Derbyshire Dales are at risk of losing their Winter Fuel Payments due to the government’s cuts, the latest official statistics released on 24th September have revealed.

Derbyshire Dales Liberal Democrats, have called on the new government to reconsider their proposals in the face of these new statistics saying that ministers must “protect vulnerable pensioners” with thousands at risk of having to choose between heating and eating this winter.

Analysis of the new data shows that in Derbyshire Dales, 5785 pensioners aged over 80 are not in receipt of pension credit and will lose their Winter Fuel Payment they were previously entitled to unless they receive other benefits. 

All those aged over 80 were previously entitled to £300 each to help with their energy bills to stay warm during the winter months but many will now lose this money. 

In total, last year those aged over 80 in Derbyshire Dales received over £1.5M in support with £3,692,500 given out to all pensioners in the constituency. This figure will drastically fall this winter following the withdrawal of support by the government for the vast majority of pensioners.

In total 21,363 pensioners in Derbyshire Dales do not receive pension credit and are also at risk of losing support due to the government’s cuts.

Age UK has previously said that 2.5 million pensioners will “be in serious trouble” this winter due to the cutting of the payments. At a meeting of Full Council Derbyshire Dales’s Lib Dems called on the government to reconsider these proposals and protect vulnerable pensioners this winter. 

In an amendment to an original Motion, Lib Dem, Councillor Peter Dobbs was supported by a majority of Members in his view that the changes "will significantly affect pensioners in rural areas like Derbyshire, many of whom face fuel poverty and may struggle to navigate the complexities of means-testing."

He added: "This Council believes that all pensioners should be supported through the winter months to ensure they are not left cold or forced to choose between heating and other essentials.

“This Council calls on the Government to reconsider its decision to cut the Winter Fuel Payment.” 

The meeting further resolved to:

1. Continue to support charities, such as Age UK and Citizens Advice, to assist pensioners with navigating the means-testing process and to ensure they access any benefits or grants to which they are entitled.

2. Continue to support schemes that provide free or subsidised energy-efficient home improvements, to help reduce long-term heating costs.

3. Use our existing communication channels for a public information campaign to inform pensioners about the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment, alternative support options, and assistance available in applying for benefits.

Find out more about how to claim Pension Credit on the Government website at www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim 

Anyone of state pension age who feels they would benefit from specialist advice and support surrounding Pension Credit can contact Age UK, based at Matlock Town Hall. They can provide free advice and support and can be contacted on 01629 706604 or email housingoptions@ageukdd.org.uk