The Deputy leader of North West Leicestershire District Council is to raise a motion next week calling for the Government's plans to end universal winter fuel payments to be put on hold.

Cllr Michael Wyatt will present to Tuesday's full council meeting.

He is to highlight how many pensioners in the district will be affected if the cuts go ahead.

It is a move which will co-incide with MPs in Westminster getting the chance to vote on the policy that will introduce means-testing of the benefit - after pressure from opposition parties and Labour backbenchers.

The agenda for next week's meeting in Coalville outlines Cllr Wyatt's motion.

It says: "Council notes the recent announcement by the Labour Government to end universal winter fuel payments and restrict eligibility to only those in receipt of Pension Credits and other benefits.

"Though many agree that universal Winter Fuel Payments are not necessary, Council is deeply concerned that many pensioners on lower and middle incomes will now not receive the payments. 

"In North West Leicestershire, according to the local press, the number of pensioners affected by the change in eligibility criteria means 18,485 fewer payments, from 20,064 down to 1,579 - a reduction of 92.1 per cent.

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Cllr Michael Wyatt. Photo: Ashby Nub News

"Council believes that the Labour Government has set the threshold at which pensioners do not qualify for Winter Fuel Payments far too low. 

"Only those receiving a pension of less than £218.15 a week (or £332.95 a week for couples) are eligible for pension credits. This is significantly lower than the living wage rate.

"Council is also concerned by the low take up of pension credit with only 63 per cent of those eligible nationwide receiving them – and over 880,000 pensioners not doing so. 

"Council recognises the role we have to play to increase awareness of benefits such as Pension Credit to ensure people are aware of the support they are entitled to."

Cllr Wyatt says North West Leicestershire District Council has already made preparations if the limited payments are brought into force.

He adds: "I understand that the Chief Executive has already convened a meeting of relevant officers to discuss how we encourage the uptake of pension credits and I would encourage all councillors to use their networks to raise awareness.   

"Council further notes that the Energy Price Cap is due to rise by 10 per cent in October, which combined by the removal of Winter Fuel Payments will push thousands of local pensioners into fuel poverty."

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The motion urges the District Council to: 

• Instruct the Chief Executive to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer calling for the policy on linking Winter Fuel Payments to Pension Credit receipt to be immediately paused and introduce a new threshold to determine eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments. Council further requests the Chief Executive write to all MPs covering North West Leicestershire asking them to give their formal support to halting the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment eligibility.
• Request all group leaders within North West Leicestershire District Council sign a joint letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer calling for the new Winter Fuel Payment policy to be suspended and reviewed.
• Urgently commence a significant awareness campaign to encourage uptake of pension credits.