Labour's betrayal of our elderly!
Older people across our area are being hit by Labour’s cuts and broken promises.
After just months of being in Government, Labour has turned its back on millions of older people. The very first thing Labour did was slash Winter Fuel Payments for the elderly. Now they have broken their promise to provide compensation for the WASPI women who lost out when their retirement age went up.
Councillor David Whipp, Leader of Pendle Liberal Democrats, have called on the new government to “change course” saying that ministers must “protect vulnerable pensioners” with thousands at risk of having to choose between heating and eating this winter.
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 analysis of the new data shows that in Rochdale Borough, around 6,000 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.
Time and again, Labour has targeted vulnerable older people. These cuts and broken promises are shameful, and the Liberal Democrats oppose them. We will fight Labour to reverse these cuts to Winter Fuel Allowance, and to ensure Waspi women receive the compensation they deserve.
Recently, Pendle Council adopted a motion seconded by Liberal Democrat leader David Whipp, in which the Council resolved to:
1. Promote an active advertising campaign to encourage pensioners to apply for pension credit if they are eligible.
2. Request that the Chief Executive write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, urging a reversal of the policy on winter fuel payments.
3. Additionally, request that the Chief Executive write to the two MPs representing the Pendle Council area, asking them to formally support
efforts to stop changes to winter fuel payment eligibility.
4. Commit the Council to signing the ‘Save the Winter Fuel Payment for Struggling Pensioners’ petition being run by Age UK and write to all
members offering them the opportunity to sign the petition themselves.
This cut comes at a time when the energy companies are increasing the average household bills by £150.00, a total increase of up to £450.00 per elderly household in their energy costs. Age UK has previously said that 2.5 million pensioners will “be in serious trouble” this winter due to the cutting of the payments. Rochdale’s Lib Dems called on the government to “reverse these proposals and protect vulnerable pensioners” this winter.
