Pensioners face a bleak winter in Colchester

At the Council meeting on 16^th October, Cllr Paul Dundas, Leader of the Conservative Group (Tiptree Ward), proposed in a motion that the Winter Fuel Payment has been a lifeline for many older people across the Colchester, and that the Government decision restricting its availability solely to those on Pension Credit risks leaving many pensioners in financial hardship.

Cllr Sara Naylor, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Group (Lexden & Braiswick Ward) led the debate for the Conservatives: “Most city councillors are united in their condemnation of the Labour Government’s decision to axe the winter fuel allowance for many pensioners with no notice. I voice my deep concern over the plight of some of our most vulnerable residents In the Colchester City Council area.

They won’t now get this winter’s annual payment of up to £300 to help with their winter fuel bills, which have gone up from this month by 10 per cent on average.

It is really sad that it’s necessary for councillors to debate how this unbelievably bad decision to axe the winter fuel allowance will affect most Colchester pensioners, who now have a hole in their budget of up to £300. The most vulnerable people in my Ward of Lexden and Braiswick, and across the city, are the ones who can least help themselves and have been left out in the cold by this terrible decision.

Councillors were concerned that the decision would result in overwhelming pressure on the council’s financial advice team, which supports residents suffering hardship.”

The Conservative Motion was approved by 31 votes with just nine Labour councillors voting against.

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2024-10-18