West Lothian Council is bracing itself for a surge in pleas for help from pensioners after the government’s decision to cut the Winter Fuel Payment. The once universal £200- £300 payment will now be means-tested, and campaigners say many who rely on the money to meet higher fuel bills will face difficulties. The council runs its own grant programme to meet winter fuel costs and will launch it next month. While the grant is significantly lower, it still offers a lifeline for those in the most dire circumstances, giving out more than £8,000 last year.
The council’s Advice Shop service also assisted more than 1,000 pensioners in securing benefits they hadn’t been claiming. At a recent full council meeting, there was a passionate debate criticising the Westminster Government’s decision to restrict the Winter Fuel Allowance. Eventually, it ended with a rare unanimous cross-party composite motion requesting the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, to reverse the decision. The motion also supported an advertising campaign to encourage pensioners to maximise their Pension Credit uptake, ensuring support is available when applying for such credit. Additionally, the council vowed to encourage pensioners on low incomes to seek a Benefit Check.
Winter Fuel Payments were devolved to the Scottish Government ahead of the national decision to restrict the payments to those on benefits. The Scottish Government estimates that this move will result in an investment of approximately £30 million, assisting between 110,000 to 130,000 older people in Scotland this year, dependent on Pension Credit take-up. To qualify now, pensioners must be in receipt of benefits such as Pension Credit, Universal Credit, and various other income-related allowances.
A spokesperson from West Lothian Council stated they are uncertain about the number of local pensioners affected by the recent changes to Winter Fuel Payments. They encouraged anyone struggling to contact the council’s Advice Shop for support. Over the last financial year, the Advice Shop assisted 1,360 customers over state pension age, resulting in financial gains totalling £8.7 million. The council will be proactive in ensuring that pensioners over the state pension age receive their full entitlements.
In November, the council will launch the WLC Fuel Grant programme, offering payments of up to £100 to households on low incomes experiencing fuel poverty. Last year, they helped 85 customers over pension age with a Fuel Grant, with payments totalling £8,500, and anticipate a higher demand this year. For those needing assistance, they can contact the Advice Shop via their website or by calling 01506 283 000.
In conclusion, the planned cut to Winter Fuel Payments has put many pensioners in West Lothian at risk of financial strain during the colder months. The response from the council, offering alternative support and urging pensioners to explore all available benefits, shows a commitment to helping those in need during this challenging time. It highlights the importance of local initiatives in supporting vulnerable members of the community and ensures that no one is left struggling to heat their homes during winter.