COVENTRY Conservatives have called to protect 46,000 pensioners in the city from Winter Fuel Payment cuts.
According to the UK Government, pensioners could face means testing for the first time after a new Labour government axed the annual universal payment.
Coinciding with the increase in the energy price cap of 10 per cent.
The City Council are set to discuss the issue tomorrow, September 3, after a debate was tabled by the city’s opposition Conservative Group.
The Conservatives wants the Council to write to the Chancellor asking her to reconsider the decision.
Payments ranged from £100 to £300 and were paid to everyone over state pension age – from this year they will only be eligible if they claim pension credits, universal credit and a range of other benefits.
The Conservative Group will call on the Council to run an awareness campaign led by Coun Gary Ridley, to ensure as many people as possible collect the payment.
He said: “During the general election campaign, Labour promised to reduce energy bills.
“But during their first month in power, they’ve axed support for pensioners and presided over a 10% rise in the energy cap.
“These cuts to the Winter Fuel Allowance are a direct attack on our pensioners, forcing them to choose between heating their homes and putting food on the table. This isn’t fiscal responsibility—it’s cruel and unnecessary.”
Coun George Duggins, cabinet member for policy and leadership said: “The ruling Labour Group will amend the debate.
“The reason being the Conservative Group debate avoids any mention of the £22billion hole in the public finances that the Government are seeking to address.
“It will be interesting to see what arguments they deploy tomorrow to support their debate.
“There is only one word the Conservative Group should use and that is SORRY, I wonder if they will.
“Because without the Tory Government’s mismanagement of the country’s economy and finances we would not be here.”
