As the cost-of-living crisis continues and energy bills soar, a new analysis shows that approximately 26,119 pensioners across North East Lincolnshire are set to lose up to £300 in winter fuel allowance. This vital support, which helped senior residents with heating during the colder months, will be cut for those not receiving pension credit under the government's new plans—unless they qualify for other benefits.
Speaking out against the recent changes, local Liberal Democrat group leader Cllr Nicola Aisthorpe highlighted the harsh impact these cuts will have on local pensioners who are already facing financial difficulties.
“The assumption that all pensioners are wealthy is simply wrong, and only about six in ten people eligible for Pension Credits actually take them up" says Cllr Aisthorpe.
"A big problem with the governments plans is that there’s currently nothing in place to address the low take-up of Pension Credits before the cold weather arrives, and the government has failed to introduce effective measures for those with small occupational pensions that disqualify them from receiving additional support.”
The Government has claimed that the increase to the state pension next year, driven by the Triple Lock, will offset these challenges. However, Cllr Aisthorpe points out that this solution is inadequate for the current crisis.
"The government has suggested that next year’s state pension increase means there’s no need to worry, but the increase won’t help anyone get through this winter. Also, most pensioners won’t benefit as much as claimed—either because they receive the old State Pension, which sees a smaller rise, or because they don’t qualify for the full State Pension at all.”
"The reality is that pushing this policy forward will leave thousands of already struggling local pensioners worse off. Many will be just above the threshold of not being eligible for Pension Credit and will undoubtedly struggle to afford basic necessities like heating this winter. It's deeply concerning that the Grimsby and Cleethorpes Labour MP is backing this, especially given that some of the wards she represents are among the most deprived in the country."
As energy bills are set to rise by an average of £149 a year from October, Cllr Aisthorpe criticised the Labour party for turning its back on pensioners after previously promising to protect them. "In opposition, Labour said removing the winter payments would result in more deaths from cold weather. Now in government, they’re backing austerity and cuts."
Liberal Democrat MPs in Parliament sought to prevent the government’s changes and reinstate the Winter Fuel Payment for all pensioners. All 72 Liberal Democrat MPs opposed this cut.
As winter approaches, Cllr Aisthorpe and her fellow Liberal Democrat colleagues remain committed to fighting for better support for local pensioners.
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