Thousands of pensioners in Darlington will be pushed into poverty as a result of the divisive decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment, a charity boss has warned.
Tough changes being imposed by the new Labour Government, which sparked a backbench rebellion, will curb financial support for older people and mean only those on Pension Credit, and other means-tested benefits, are eligible.
Kevin Cooper, interim chief executive of Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington, said the Winter Fuel Payment, £200 to £300, is an essential lifeline for older people struggling with rising energy costs amid the ongoing cost of living crisis.
However Graham Easterlow, who lead the East Durham Trust, said it would be 'wrong' to continue handing out 'universal awards' to those who do not need it.
Mr Cooper said he was 'really disappointed' that the Government is not listening to older people.
He said: "This change is wholly unfair and will push thousands of older people in Darlington into poverty. It will be a choice between heating and eating for many. It is going to be a very tough winter for some of our oldest and most vulnerable residents.”
Mr Cooper urged the Government to ‘think again’.
He added: “This is a knee-jerk move and they have no understanding of the suffering it will cause.”
MPs voted 348 to 228 against the Conservative motion to block the cuts after a fiery debate in the Commons on Tuesday afternoon.
Nineteen North East Labour MPs voted to scrap winter fuel payments for pensioners, while six, including County Durham MPs Mary Kelly Foy and Grahame Morris, abstained from the vote.
"Our Labour Government has inherited a dreadful mess but we cannot wrestle control of the economy on the backs of the poor.
"That is what I fear the Winter Fuel Payment changes do, why I couldn't support them, and why I urged them to be reconsidered.
"I will now work with local stakeholders and authorities, to ensure those in Middlesbrough and Thornaby East who are eligible—and those ineligible but in need of support—do receive that and are not fearful to heat their homes this winter.
"But I believe we must continue to advocate for systems of universal payments which mean that all those who need them, get them, and those with the broadest shoulders who don't need them contribute through tax to pay for them.
"Poverty remains a burning issue in Middlesbrough and Thornaby East and we need a much broader assessment of drivers of poverty and the solutions we need after fourteen years of austerity."
Tory Matt Vickers, who represents Stockton South, was the only North East MP who voted to keep the allowance.
He said: "I have proudly voted to protect the many vulnerable pensioners in my constituency, the thousands in Teesside, and the millions around the UK who will be severely impacted as a result of the decision to cut the winter fuel allowance.
"Regardless of politics, this move is wrong and leaves some of the most vulnerable in society without the safety net they rely on during winter.
"This Labour Government, it's MP's and the Prime Minister were all too happy to give Train Drivers who earn £65,000 a pay rise of almost £10,000 while removing £300 from pensioners, many of them on an annual salary of less than £13,000.”
Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington is advising the Government to instead adopt money expert Martin Lewis's proposal to extend the Winter Fuel Payment to all state pension-age residents in Council Tax Bands A-D.
Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington believes this wider inclusion is necessary to protect a greater number of older people who are already facing financial strain.
Concerns raised by Martin Lewis, who has described the policy as "short-sighted," are echoed by the charity.
He warns that the decision will lead to a growing number of older people enduring cold homes this winter, increasing their risk of hypothermia, respiratory illnesses, and even premature death.
Mr Cooper said: “The Winter Fuel Payment has long been a crucial safety net, helping older people keep warm during the coldest months.
“Without it, many will be left facing impossible choices between heating their homes and affording other basic necessities.
“The Government’s decision to restrict this support will leave many pensioners at risk of hardship and potential health issues, especially as energy prices continue to rise.”
Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington has also highlighted a worrying shortfall in take-up of Pension Credit, the new qualifying benefit for the Winter Fuel Payment.
Currently, only 63 per cent of eligible pensioners claim it, leaving two million older people who desperately need support in danger of missing out.
It said the Government’s means-testing approach is moving too quickly and without mitigation, making it unlikely that sufficient Pension Credit claims will be made in time for the winter.
Graham Easterlow, of East Durham Trust, agreed the priority should be to help people to access pension credits before winter so those eligible can receive the support they are entitled to.
He said: "With scarce resources it is obviously wrong to give someone £200 who does not require it.
"I’m not sure we can justify a truly universal award at this time though we do need to make sure that those that need it will receive support this winter.
"There are of course older people who will be just outside of the pension credits eligibility.
"This is where something like targeting of the extended Household Support Fund can assist older adult households who are struggling with their energy bills.
"We would also highlight that the pension triple lock will see pensions rise by 10.1 per cent that’s higher than wages which stand around 6.2 per cent. This increase will outstrip the removal of the winter fuel payments."
“Unfortunately, the Conservatives recklessly left a £22bn black hole in their spending plans and tried to hide it.
“As the incoming Government, it is our responsibility to fix this, even though it requires making painful choices.”
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Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington is now encouraging older residents and their families to seek advice on how to access the benefits they may be entitled to, including Pension Credit and other forms of support.
Mr Cooper said: “We urge any older person who is struggling to come and see us at Age UK for a free benefits check, we may be able to help you claim Pensions Credit and still qualify for the Winter Heating Allowance.
“There may be other benefits that you are entitled to so you should claim them now.
“We are also here in Darlington if you need somewhere to keep warm, to get a cheap meal or simply to meet up with other people.
“Please come and talk to us.”
- Contact Age UK with general enquiries on 01325-362-832 or for information and advice on 01325-357-345.
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