A motion calling for Labour to reverse its cut to the winter fuel allowance has been backed by Durham County Council. 

Cross-party councillors in County Durham voiced their concerns against the decision at a heated council meeting on Wednesday. 

The government decision means millions of pensioners across the UK will not receive the payments – worth up to £300 – this winter.

People not in receipt of Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits will lose out under the Government’s changes to winter fuel payments.

About 90,000 pensioners in County Durham are thought to be affected by the changes. 

Leading councillors will now write to the government, urging it to reverse the “unnecessary” decision. 

Liberal Democrat councillor Mark Wilkes said: “I am horrified by the government's decision to take money away from our most vulnerable residents.

“We need to send the strongest message possible to the government that scrapping the winter fuel payment is an unnecessary choice, which will impact massively on our residents. 

“After just a few months in power Labour are creating their very own cost of living crisis.”

The motion at Durham’s full council meeting on Wednesday also asked the local authority to commence a significant awareness campaign to help get pensioners signed up for pension credit.

Cllr Wilkes’ plea was supported by Conservative and Independent councillors, who vowed to protect vulnerable residents. 

However, Labour said the call for action doesn’t go far enough. 

Councillor Rob Crute said: “Anyone watching this debate is going to expect something more robust than simply writing a letter. What’s needed is dialogue with government ministers, and an immediate and coordinated response from this council. 

“Not performative handwringing from a coalition that’s sat back in silence while their government’s used years of austerity to bring our council budgets and public services to the brink of collapse.”

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Labour members instead requested cabinet members to immediately set up and fund a unit to organise and run a Pension Credit awareness campaign in conjunction with relevant voluntary organisations in County Durham. 

Cllr Crute added: “The people of County Durham expect a more animated response, not performative claptrap, designed to catch headlines or pick up a few clicks on social media posts. We need immediate and effective measures.”

However, the opposing Labour motion did not receive significant cross-party support, with councillors instead voting for the Liberal Democrat plea.