The September full meeting of Derbyshire Dales District Council "noted with concern" recent changes to the Winter Fuel Payment eligibility criteria, which now require pensioners to not only have reached State Pension age but also to be in receipt of a qualifying means-tested benefit to receive support.
In an amendment to a Motion submitted originally by Councillor Geoff Bond, Councillor Peter Dobbs was supported by a majority of Members in his view that the changes "will significantly affect pensioners in rural areas like Derbyshire, many of whom face fuel poverty and may struggle to navigate the complexities of means-testing".
He added:
"This Council believes that all pensioners should be supported through the winter months to ensure they are not left cold or forced to choose between heating and other essentials."This Council calls on the Government to reconsider its decision to cut the Winter Fuel Payment."
The meeting further resolved to:
- Continue to support charities, such as Age UK and Citizens' Advice, to assist pensioners with navigating the means-testing process and to ensure they access any benefits or grants to which they are entitled.
- Continue to support schemes that provide free or subsidised energy-efficient home improvements, to help reduce long-term heating costs.
- Use our existing communication channels for a public information campaign to inform pensioners about the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment, alternative support options, and assistance available in applying for benefits.
Earlier in September the District Council supported a campaign launched by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to increase Pension Credit take-up. Hundreds of thousands of pensioners are being urged to apply for a benefit that could be worth on average £3,900 per year.
With as many as 880,000 pensioners missing out, the District Council will continue to spread awareness and help increase claims for Pension Credit, which from this year will also automatically passport eligible pensioners to receive the Winter Fuel Payment.
The Council's own campaign will include a promotion in the Dales Matters publication, which will be delivered to all 37,000 homes in the Derbyshire Dales in October.
Find out more about how to claim Pension Credit on the Government website
Anyone of state pension age who feels they would benefit from specialist advice and support surrounding Pension Credit can contact Age UK, based at our Matlock Town Hall headquarters. They can provide free advice and support and can be contacted on 01629 706604 or email
Youtube video
The Council debate can be viewed again on our YouTube channel below:
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