East Devon Conservative Group are calling on the Chancellor of the Exchequer for the policy on linking Winter Fuel Payments to Pension Credit receipt, to be immediately paused and for the introduction of a new threshold to determine eligibility for Winter Fuel payments.
As of July of this year, there are about 45,250 residents aged over 65 in East Devon. This is about 30% of the East Devon population. Throughout Devon, there are 225,000 older adults in this age group. Only those who receive less than £218.15 a week, single or £332.95 per couple are eligible for pension credit. This is significantly lower than the living wage.In addition, a 10% increase in the new energy price cap from the 1st October will push thousands of local pensioners into fuel poverty.Failure to continue winter fuel payments will plunge these East Devon pensioners into deep anxiety, a serious risk of ill health and a threat to life. We condemn such a draconian measure and are calling on East Devon’s CEO to write to the Chancellor Rachel Reeves….The request will be made at East Devon’s Cabinet meeting 4th September
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