Cuts to winter fuel payments could “push thousands of pensioners into fuel poverty” across County Durham, council leaders have warned. 

Cross-party councillors on Durham County Council have written to the Labour government, urging it to reverse its decision.

The controversial government move 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.

Across County Durham, 89,275 pensioners will be financially worse off due to this change. 

A letter signed by councillors read: “[This] council is concerned that around 37 per cent of those eligible do not take up pension credit, which will now be required for entitlement to winter fuel payment. This could potentially push thousands of County Durham pensioners into fuel poverty.

“Furthermore, many pensioners not entitled to pension credit but on low and middle incomes will also be affected.”

The plea to the government follows a vote at a full council meeting in September.

Councillor John Shuttleworth, leader of the Independent Group, said: “Nearly 90,000 residents across our county are being impacted by the cut in the winter fuel allowance.

"The Labour Party's analysis showed that means testing the winter fuel allowance in the way the government has done, risks 4,000 deaths. It is also going to put immense pressure on the NHS and has left many of my residents concerned about putting the heating on and many more being worried about their neighbours.”

The local authority was also urged to commence a significant awareness campaign to help get pensioners signed up for pension credit.

Councillor Sam Zair, an independent councillor in Bishop Auckland, said: “We all know that some very rich people do not need the payment, but there are a huge number of people on low and middle incomes who are struggling.

"In Bishop Auckland, I have been contacted by residents who feel like they have been let down by the government. They didn't vote for this and were not told it would happen.”

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However, local Labour members said the call for action didn’t go far enough. 

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

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. However, it failed to be backed by a majority of members.