Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council will debate a motion calling for urgent local and national action in response to the government’s decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment.

The proposed motion, which aims to protect vulnerable pensioners from fuel poverty, will urge councillors to support a range of initiatives that would ensure those most in need continue to receive vital support during the colder months.

The Conservative motion, which is expected to be proposed by Cllr Arun Mummalaneni and seconded by Cllr Jay Ganesh, calls for a local awareness campaign about Pension Credit, advocacy to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to reverse the means-testing decision, and support for Age UK’s national petition to safeguard Winter Fuel Payments.

Cllr Mummalaneni said: "The government’s decision to means-test Winter Fuel Payments could leave some of the most vulnerable pensioners in our community facing tough choices this winter.

READ MORE: Basingstoke's MP votes to cut winter fuel payments

"This motion seeks to raise awareness of Pension Credit, which could help many of our elderly residents gain access to the support they need. I urge my fellow councillors to support this motion so that we can act swiftly to protect those at risk of falling into fuel poverty."

Cllr Ganesh said: "Pensioners who don’t claim Pension Credit are particularly at risk from this change, and we must do everything in our power to ensure they are not left behind.

"By supporting this motion, we can show solidarity with our elderly residents and ensure they are aware of the benefits they’re entitled to. I hope councillors across the political spectrum will join us in backing these efforts."

The motion calls on the council to:

  • Launch a council-led awareness campaign to inform pensioners about Pension Credit, which may help them access the Winter Fuel Payment.

  • Request that the council leader write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, urging a review of the decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment and asking the government to protect vulnerable pensioners from fuel poverty.

  • Commit the council to signing Age UK’s ‘Save the Winter Fuel Payment for Struggling Pensioners’ petition and encourage all members to sign it as well. campaigns.ageuk.org.uk/page/154268/petition/1?locale=en-GB

  • Promote efforts to boost Pension Credit uptake through council services and partnerships with local charities and community organizations, ensuring all eligible pensioners in Basingstoke and Deane are supported.

The motion is set to be debated at the council meeting on Thursday, October 17.