Agenda item

To consider a Notice of Motion proposed by Cllr C Jones, seconded by Cllr S Flower.

Full Council received the following Notice of Motion proposed by Cllr C Jones seconded by Cllr S Flower and supported by Cllrs A Parry, L O’Leary, J Somper, P Dickenson, J Robinson, B Trite, V Pothecary, C Lugg, C Monks, B Quayle, B Goringe, S Murcer and A Skeats.

Motion Narrative and Action Required 

The recent Government’s decision to restrict the Winter Fuel Allowance to those pensioners receiving Pension Credit, despite having a fully costed plan, would mean at least 2 million pensioners across the UK, who were fractionally over the £218.15 weekly limit, would have to make difficult choices this winter, often choosing between heating and eating. Analysis showed that energy bills this winter would be the highest on record for elderly people, particularly with a near 10% increase in the cap expected in the autumn.

The demographics in Dorset with 30% over the age of 65, compared with the national average of 19%, would mean that the loss of the Winter Fuel Allowance would have a disproportionate impact on thousands of elderly and vulnerable pensioners across Dorset, in turn placing a huge additional burden on the already overstretched NHS and Adult Social Care budgets. Those who are just above the cut-off for pension credit would suffer the most and it’s not fair.

To move that:

1.    Dorset Council encourages those not on Pension Credit, who could be eligible to apply, to do so, offering help to complete of necessary forms, which for many could be a barrier. through a pro-active publicity campaign

2.    Dorset Council sign up to the ‘Save Winter Fuel Payment for Struggling Pensioners’, petition being run nationally by Age UK. 

3.    Dorset Council work with those local charities, which support the most vulnerable in our communities, offering guidance to gain access to the resources they need, particularly in support of those who qualify to benefit from the Cost-of-Living Support Fund, to help cope effectively with their heating needs during the cold Winter months.

4.    Dorset Council again writes to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, urging a review of the decision to means test the Winter Fuel Payment and asking the government to ensure that vulnerable pensioners, particularly those who do not claim pension credit, are protected from fuel poverty with an assurance that energy companies will treat the vulnerable with a degree of leniency in respect to energy debt. Additionally, ask Government to provide data of those who are eligible in the Dorset Council Area.

In accordance with Procedure Rule 14.3 (a) the Notice of Motion, upon being proposed and seconded, was debated by Full Council.  Cllr P Kimber proposed an amendment and additional wording to the motion; however, this was not seconded. Members were generally supportive of the original motion and upon being put to the vote the motion was approved.

Decision

(a)       That Dorset Council encourages those not on Pension Credit, who could be eligible to apply, to do so, offering help to complete of necessary forms, which for many could be a barrier. through a pro-active publicity campaign

(b)       That Dorset Council sign up to the ‘Save Winter Fuel Payment for Struggling Pensioners’, petition being run nationally by Age UK.

(c)        That Dorset Council works with those local charities, which support the most vulnerable in our communities, offering guidance to gain access to the resources they need, particularly in support of those who qualify to benefit from the Cost-of-Living Support Fund, to help cope effectively with their heating needs during the cold Winter months.

(d)       That Dorset Council again writes to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, urging a review of the decision to means test the Winter Fuel Payment and asking the government to ensure that vulnerable pensioners, particularly those who do not claim pension credit, are protected from fuel poverty with an assurance that energy companies will treat the vulnerable with a degree of leniency in respect to energy debt. Additionally, ask Government to provide data of those who are eligible in the Dorset Council Area.