Over 10,000 over 80s at risk of losing Winter Fuel Payments in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde as Lib Dems calls on govt to “change course”
10,186 of those aged over 80 in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde are at risk of losing their Winter Fuel Payments due to the government’s cuts, the latest official statistics (released 24th September) have revealed.
Renfrewshire Liberal Democrats, have called on the new government to “change course” in the face of these new statistics saying that ministers must “protect vulnerable pensioners” with thousands at risk of having to choose between heating and eating this winter.
Analysis of the new data shows that in the area covering Renfrewshire and Inverclyde, 10,186 pensioners aged over 80 are not in receipt of pension credit and will lose their Winter Fuel Payment they were previously entitled to unless they receive other benefits.
All those aged over 80 were previously entitled to £300 each to help with their energy bills to stay warm during the winter months but many will now lose this money.
In total, last year those aged over 80 in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde received £3,248,100 in support with £8,641,900 given out to all pensioners in the constituency. This figure will drastically fall this winter following the withdrawal of support by the government for the vast majority of pensioners.
In total 42,791 pensioners in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde do not receive pension credit and are also at risk of losing support due to the government’s cuts.
Age UK has previously said that 2.5 million pensioners will “be in serious trouble” this winter due to the cutting of the payments. Renfrewshire’s Lib Dems called on the government to “reverse these proposals and protect vulnerable pensioners” this winter.
Scottish Liberal Democrat Councillor for Paisley Southwest, Anne Hannigan said:
“Thousands of pensioners here in Renfrewshire are desperately worried about how they will make it through this winter. We are especially concerned about vulnerable older pensioners, and these figures are deeply worrying.
“We have heard stories from those who now say they will have to choose between staying warm or putting food on the table as a result of the decisions by the UK and Scottish governments.
“Cutting these payments for thousands of pensioners, including many that are just barely getting by, is the completely wrong thing to be doing.
“It is not too late for this new government to change course, reverse these proposals and protect vulnerable pensioners here in Renfrewshire this winter.
“As your Scottish Liberal Democrat councillor, I will do all I can to oppose these changes, and my colleagues in Holyrood and Westminster will stand up for those facing another harsh winter.”
Renfrewshire Liberal Democrat campaigner, Jack Clark has backed the Liberal Democrat motion in Parliament to block UK Government plans to scrap Winter Fuel Payments for most pensioners.
