Blast for ‘cack-handed’ winter fuel payment decision

'It's a lesson in how not to bring forward a policy'

The government’s decision to axe winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners has been described in South Hams as ‘cack-handed’.

The district council voted unanimously to condemn the decision announced by chancellor Rachel Reeves, who says she is scrapping the payments as part of a strategy to fill a £22 billion ’black hole’ in the economy.

Campaigners claim hard-up pensioners will have to choose between eating and heating this winter as a result of losing the payments of up to £300 per household.

People receiving pension credit will still be eligible for the allowance.

But as well as condemning the cut for most current recipients, South Hams councillors have urged local pensioners to make sure they claim all benefits to which they are entitled.

Cllr Alison Nix (Con, Wembury and Brixton) said pensioners in rural areas such as the South Hams often live in homes that are not fuel-efficient, and face issues such as isolation and poor transport links.

“This cut will have a devastating impact on vulnerable pensioners,” she said. “These payments are really important to pensioners who are on the limits of their income every year.”

Cllr Nicky Hopwood (Con, Woolwell) agreed, adding: “This cost-of-living crisis is not going away, and £300 is a lot to lose.”

However, some councillors pointed out that not all elderly people needed the allowance, and some could manage well without it.

Council leader Julian Brazil (Lib Dem, Stokenham) told the full council meeting: “I agree that we shouldn’t be paying millionaire pensioners, but the way it has been done has been so cack-handed.

“It’s a lesson in how not to bring forward a policy.”