Chichester councillor accuses government of 'picking the pockets of pensioners'

This was the message from one Chichester district councillor who called on the leader to write to the government urging a review of its decision to change who can receive Winter Fuel Payments.

Roy Briscoe (Con, Westbourne) spoke during a meeting of the full council on Tuesday (October 1) referencing the ‘£20bn black hole in public finances’ highlighted by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

Mr Briscoe tabled a motion echoing national concerns that the Winter Fuel Payments would only go to pensioners receiving means-tested benefits such as Pension Credit.

Accusing the government of ‘picking the pockets of our pensioners’, he said: “This decision is nothing short of an assault on our older generation and those most in need.”

He added: “The Winter Fuel Payment has been a lifeline to many older people across the UK, and restricting its availability solely to those on Pension Credit risks leaving many pensioners in financial distress.

“Thousands of pensioners in our own district sit just above the cut-off for Pension Credit and will now lose access to this essential payment.”

The meeting was told that the change would affect around 30,000 pensioners across the district.

Oona Hickson, cabinet member for housing and revenue and benefits, said an awareness campaign was under way, with the Supporting You team having already sent letters to residents who do not receive Pension Credit but may be eligible.

The authority also hopes to use money from the Household Support Fund to help pensioners who no longer qualify for Winter Fuel Payment.

Councillors agreed to support Age UK’s ‘Save the Winter Fuel Payment for Struggling Pensioners’ petition.

And they called on MPs Jess Brown-Fuller and Andrew Griffith to continue raising the issue in Parliament.

While the situation was treated with all seriousness, there were chuckles when Tim O’Kellly (Lib Dem, Harting) said he welcomed the Conservative Party’s ‘Damascene conversion to the cause of social justice’.

He added: “There is always great rejoicing in heaven at a repentant sinner.”