As Budget Day nears a petition calling on the Government to rethink their planned Winter Fuel Allowance Cuts has already been signed by 1,500 residents of Torquay and Paignton, with the national total nearing 250,000.
The “Keep Winter Fuel” petition has been backed by local Conservative Councillors and Campaigners, who are campaigning for a rethink after estimates showed over 31,000 Torbay Pensioners could be affected by the cuts, potentially losing up to £300 of support this winter.
At this time of year, 11.4m pensioners would normally be receiving a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions confirming when their winter fuel allowance would be paid.
Instead, the letters arriving this year are informing approximately 10m pensioners they will not be getting their usual payment.
Previously those over State Pension Age and living in the UK could receive an annual £200 Winter Fuel Allowance or £300 if aged over 80. The changes announced by the Labour Government mean in future (only those in receipt of Pension Credit or a small number of other income related benefits will do so. This means many pensioners on modest incomes are set to lose out, not just those on higher incomes.
Kevin Foster said: “I am pleased so many have backed the Keep Winter Fuel campaign, showing the concern about this change which will hit thousands of local pensioners across our bay. The Chancellor needs to rethink her plans to take up to £300 of support away from thousands of Torbay pensioners, including many on modest incomes.”
“There is still time to have your say before the Chancellor delivers her budget on Wednesday, it only takes a couple of minutes to make your voice heard before it is too late.”
Residents can sign the petition at: www.keepwinterfuel.com
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