Agenda item

During debate, an amendment from the Labour group was moved. Councillor Alan Hale sought assurance that it was a valid amendment and the Chief Operating Officer, on behalf of the Chief Executive, confirmed that it was, as it was on the same subject matter, has not been considered in the last six months and sought to achieve something which could not be achieved by simply voting against the motion.

On a motion from Councillor Dave Harding, seconded by Councillor Michael Auton, it was

RESOLVED that

Council:

1. 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.

2. Notes with concern that many pensioners on lower incomes will now not receive vital support with winter fuel costs. Across England and Wales, the number of people eligible for winter fuel payments will fall by 10 million (from 11.4 million to only 1.5 million).

3. Notes that in Bath and North East Somerset, the number of pensioners affected by the change in eligibility criteria is 32,412. That means 91.9% of pensioners currently eligible for winter fuel payments will no longer be able to claim the payment from this winter onwards.

4. 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.

5. Notes with concern the low take up of Pension Credit, with only 63% of those eligible nationwide receiving them and over 880,000 pensioners not doing so.

6. Recognises the importance of raising awareness of benefits, such as Pension Credit, to ensure people receive the support they are entitled to. Council welcomes the work being undertaken by the Welfare Support and Public Health teams, with Citizens Advice and Age UK, to promote the Pension Credit scheme to those who may be eligible, and also welcomes Government awareness campaigns, such as the Pension Credit Week of Action.

7. Further notes that the Energy Price Cap is due to rise by 10% in October which, combined with the removal of Winter Fuel Payments, risks pushing thousands of local pensioners into fuel poverty. 

Council therefore:

8. Asks the Leader of Council to write to the Government, calling for the policy on linking Winter Fuel Payments to Pension Credit receipt to be immediately suspended and for a new threshold determining eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments to be adopted.

9. Asks the Leader of Council to write to all MPs covering the Bath and North East Somerset Council area, asking them to give their formal support to halting the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment eligibility.

[Notes;

1.  During debate, an amendment was moved by Councillor Robin Moss and seconded by Councillor Lesley Mansell.  The amendment was lost, with 5 Councillors voting in favour, 39 Councillors voting against and 1 abstention. The amendment is attached for reference.

2.  The successful resolution above was carried with 38 Councillors voting in favour, 6 Councillors voting against and 4 abstentions.]