Last week, the Government confirmed something that was immediately obvious to many of us after it took its misguided decision to means-test the winter fuel payment: that this move will push the number of pensioners living below the poverty line up.
Government analysis released last Tuesday revealed that up to 100,000 pensioners in England and Wales will be forced into relative fuel poverty because of this move, with half occurring this year and the remainder by the end of the decade.
This is the first time the Government has attempted to quantify this move, having admitted to not doing an impact assessment before announcing the change back in the summer.
I’ve repeatedly voiced my opposition to this move, and I know many of you share my concerns.
Since the election, this topic has dominated my inbox, and let me reiterate what I’ve said to the hundreds of you who’ve emailed in about it: while the damage to our economy left by the Conservatives is unforgiveable, cutting payments to vulnerable pensioners across South Devon is no way to bring about the change the country deserves.
I was proud to vote against this measure at the earliest opportunity and will continue to work with my Liberal Democrat colleagues in urging the Government to reconsider this regressive move.
But, as we inch toward winter and the temperature begins to drop, I’m conscious that this campaign will provide little comfort to those of you who are wondering how you will heat your home this winter after losing this vital support.
That’s why I wanted to share some schemes happening locally that are stepping into the void left by the Government and helping pensioners heat their homes this winter.
In Torbay, for instance, the District Council’s Household Support Fund is offering a payment of up to £300 for pensioners whose winter fuel payment has been cut. If you’re a pensioner receiving council tax support but not pension credit and have seen your winter fuel payment cut, you’ll be receiving a letter soon telling you more about the scheme.
Similarly, South Hams District Council will be using its Household Support Fund to help households in the greatest need this winter, with more details expected soon.
Beyond Council support, South Devon is home to many warm spaces. These free or low-cost spaces which people can use during the day if they’re struggling with the cost of heating their home can be found across the area, from Kingsbridge to Slapton, with a full directory available on South Hams District Council’s website and Torbay’s too.
Finally, last week, I met with StepChange, a debt counselling charity, to see how they can support constituents. Their free debt advice services are excellent, and I’d encourage anyone concerned about paying energy bills this winter – or who are generally struggling with debt – to get in touch with them at stepchange.org or call 0800 138 1111.
The figures released by the Government last week are evidence of why this decision was so poor. But, unfortunately, it’s not the only evidence we have.
Since October, more than 500 new warm spaces have opened, and with more pensioners being pushed into relative fuel poverty I expect the numbers to rise further.
In opposition, Keir Starmer described these spaces as “evidence” of the Conservatives failure to protect people – it’s hard to argue the same couldn’t be said for his fledgling Labour Government.
Comments