At our meeting last month, Test Valley councillors came together to back a cross-party motion to support some of the most vulnerable pensioners in the borough who are set to lose their Fuel Allowance this winter.
Whilst I recognise that not every pensioner needs the payment, I continue to be shocked by the government’s decision to means test it in the way that it has – with Age UK warning this will have a really profound impact on over two million pensioners across the country who will have to make a choice between heating and eating.
To help those that live in Test Valley, councillors unanimously supported a proposal to allocate £20,000 to the Test Valley Winter Fuel Payment Scheme, and a further £20,000 if required, to continue support for those of pensionable age in the borough who need assistance with paying their bills. In doing so, we estimate that this will help over 400 of the most vulnerable pensioner households in Test Valley.
To access the funding, anyone who needs help is being urged to contact Citizens Advice (CA) as soon as possible on 0808 178 6882, or go to their website at www.testvalleycab.org.uk. Citizens Advice will then make an assessment to determine whether the person qualifies for financial assistance and offer wider support and advice. They will also check whether the person is eligible for Pension Credit, as it is believed that there could be hundreds of households in Test Valley that could claim but currently do not.
Those that Citizens Advice identifies for financial help will then be referred to Unity, a Test Valley-based charity that will hold the funding pot and make the payments direct to residents.
We also agreed to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, urging a review of the decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment and to ask the government to ensure that vulnerable pensioners, particularly those who are just above the threshold for Pension Credit, are protected from fuel poverty.
As Leader of the Council, I will also sign the ‘Save the Winter Fuel Payment for Struggling Pensioners’ petition on behalf of TVBC, which is being run by Age UK.
This month we also focus on remembrance as we come together to think about those who have died in the service of mankind. Through the melancholy of an English autumn comes that great paradox of Remembrance Sunday, as we remember not only the pain and death of war but the triumph of light over darkness, of good over evil and of freedom over tyranny. This time of year is also our chance to thank our current service personnel and their families for the sacrifices they make to keep us safe. You have our utmost respect and thanks.
Cllr. Phil North
Leader of the Test Valley Borough Council
