A total of 10,500 Garston and Watford residents will lose out following the announcement that households in England and Wales will no longer be entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment (WFP) unless they meet certain criteria.
Meriden councillor and Liberal Democrat Group Leader Jenny Pattinson proposed a motion calling for the government to rethink their plans to cut WFP for 10 million pensioners in England and Wales.
Speaking at a recent council meeting, cllr Pattinson said: “Eighty-eight per cent of pensioners [in Watford] currently eligible for WFP will no longer be able to claim the payment from this winter. Those with the broadest shoulders should carry a heavier burden, not pensioners – many of whom will find it very difficult this winter to heat their homes.”
Speaking to GARSTONnews, Mark Hanna, chief executive of Age UK Hertfordshire, said: “Our concern is that the decision by the government was taken too quickly. They didn’t give any notice and did not give any impact assessment.
“Locally [in Garston and Watford], we are seeing a surge in enquiries from older people who are worried about the impact and need help.”
Mark added that he fears some elderly people in Garston and Watford will have to choose between “heating and eating” this winter.
Critics argue that WFP eligibility because of means testing creates eligibility a ‘cliff edge’ where people who narrowly do not fit the criteria are left with no help at all, even though they need it.
Both Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor and cllr Pattinson highlighted their concern about the problems pensioners across the local area are facing, encouraging those in the community on low incomes to apply for Pension Credit and seek support from Watford Citizens Advice.
To find out more, visit www.gov.uk/pension-credit or call Citizens Advice Watford on 0800 144 8848 or visit their drop-in service in St Mary’s Churchyard, Watford, Monday to Thursday 9.30am to 12.30pm.
The deadline to apply for Pension Credit and still receive the Winter Fuel Payment is 21st December.
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