Brentwood Liberal Democrats call for government rethink on scrapping Winter Fuel Payments

5,488 of those aged over 80 in Brentwood & Ongar are at risk of losing their Winter Fuel Payments due to the government’s cuts, the latest official statistics released recently(24th September) have revealed.

Brentwood Liberal Democrats, have called on the new government to “change course” in the face of these new statistics saying that ministers must “protect vulnerable pensioners” with thousands at risk of having to choose between heating and eating this winter.

Analysis of the new data shows that in Brentwood & Ongar, 5,488 pensioners aged over 80 are not in receipt of pension credit and will lose their Winter Fuel Payment they were previously entitled to unless they receive other benefits. 

All those aged over 80 were previously entitled to £300 each to help with their energy bills to stay warm during the winter months but many will now lose this money.

In total, last year those aged over 80 in Brentwood & Ongar received £1,486,810 in support with £3,272.600 given out to all pensioners in the constituency. This figure will drastically fall this winter following the withdrawal of support by the government for the vast majority of pensioners.

In total 17,843 pensioners in Brentwood & Ongar do not receive pension credit and are also at risk of losing support due to the government’s cuts.

Age UK has previously said that 2.5 million pensioners will “be in serious trouble” this winter due to the cutting of the payments. Brentwood’s Lib Dems called on the government to “reverse these proposals and protect vulnerable pensioners” this winter. 

Liberal Democrat Brentwood Borough Councillor Vicky Davies said:

“Thousands of pensioners here in Brentwood & Ongar are desperately worried about how they will make it through this winter. We are especially concerned about vulnerable older pensioners, and these figures are deeply worrying. 

“We have heard countless stories from those who now say they will have to choose between staying warm or putting food on the table as a result of this government’s decision.

“Cutting these payments for thousands of constituents, including many that are just barely getting by, is the completely wrong thing to be doing.

“It is not too late for this new government to change course, reverse these proposals and protect vulnerable pensioners here in Brentwood & Ongar this winter.”

Councillor Davies' comments came following a Brentwood Council meeting at which a motion to support those affected by the changes was passed. Full details of available support will be published in a future edition of the Borough Magazine, while the Council will monitor successful schemes in other local authorities on this area, while supporting Age UK's campaign on this issue.