Central Bedfordshire Council to Vote on £200 Payment for Low-Income Pensioners

A one-off payment of £200 is being considered for low-income pensioners in Central Bedfordshire. This initiative by the local council aims to address worries stemming from the reduction of the winter fuel allowance. Councillors are scheduled to vote on November 21 on a motion that would approve these payments, which would be drawn from the government’s Household Support Fund, a scheme administered by local councils. The authority indicated that approximately 2,200 local pensioners no longer receive the winter allowance, as the government has confirmed that eligibility for these payments is now restricted to individuals receiving pension credit or other benefits based on means testing. The government stated that millions of individuals would continue to receive the payment, in addition to a rise in the state pension during the current parliamentary term. In September, around 10 million people ceased to receive their winter allowance, which could be up to £300. This change is projected to save the government £1.4 billion this financial year as part of efforts to manage public finances. Independent Aspley and Woburn councillor John Baker commented, “This was a shambolic policy announcement and no steps were made to mitigate the problems during the government’s October Budget.” He added that the government later recognized the existence of numerous low-income pensioner households that either do not meet the criteria for pension credit or are eligible but are not currently receiving it. Councillor Baker explained that the funds from the Household Support Fund are ring-fenced, meaning they are separate from council tax contributions. He also noted that many councillors had voiced their dissatisfaction with the government’s choice. Baker, in his capacity as executive member for finance, stated, “As executive member for finance, I acknowledged their concerns and felt more could be done to support low-income pensioner households.” He further elaborated that “The [household support] fund is used to meet immediate needs and help those struggling to afford household essentials, including food, energy and water bills, and wider essentials.” A government spokesperson commented, “Based on need in their area, local authorities in England will take different approaches to allocating their funding to support struggling households this winter – including those with pensioners – with essentials like food, energy and housing.” The spokesperson added that “Alongside the Warm Home Discount, over a million pensioners will still receive the Winter Fuel Payment and millions more could see their state pension rise by up to £1,700 this Parliament.” Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.