Council Leader writes to Deputy Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer

Press Release

Published on 25 October 2024

Councillor Susan Juned, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council has written letters to The Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP, Deputy Prime Minster and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government and The Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer about the Government's decision on winter fuel payments.

At the Full Council meeting on 14 October, Councillors debated the issue of winter fuel payments and agreed for the Leader to write to the Government to 'urgently review its decision to cease winter fuel payments to those pensioners who are not in receipt of Pension Credit.'

In the letter to Angela Rayner MP, the Deputy Prime Minister, Cllr Juned asked the Government to provide 'the Council with some support so that we can help as many pensioners affected as possible' and to 'ask for funding for a local advertising and outreach campaign to raise awareness about Pension Credit and other benefits, targeting pensioners who may be eligible but not currently claiming.'

In the letter to Rachel Reeves MP, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Cllr Juned urged for 'a review of the decision to means test the Winter Fuel Payment and asking the Government to ensure that vulnerable pensioners, particularly those who do not claim Pension Credit, are protected from fuel poverty'.

These letters have now been published on the District Council's website

• Letter to Deputy Prime Minister
• Letter to Chancellor of the Exchequer
  
  

Cllr Susan Juned, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District said: "It is vital that our residents know they may be able to claim Pension Credit. This extra money can help with living costs if they are over the state pension age and on a low income.

"We have been working with partners to help make sure people are informed about how to claim what could be a financial lifeline. We are also fortunate to have the Citizen's Advice Bureau located at our District Council offices to advise residents of the help and support available and also help them complete the application form.

"Help is available, and I would encourage anyone who is eligible for Pension Credit to take advantage of this - please don't miss out."