A PENSIONER has told councillors she is among the millions being “left behind” by cuts to winter fuel payments.
Clare Wratten spoke at Worcester City Council’s meeting at the Guildhall on Tuesday, September 17.
She said age-gap couples are among those affected by the controversial government policy and urged councillors to do what they can to help.
I’m here as someone who, like many others, is being left behind by a system meant to support its most vulnerable citizens,” said the 66-year-old, from Rainbow Hill.
“I am currently receiving a small state pension but due to the fact that my partner is not of pensionable age I am unable to claim Pension Credit.
“This exclusion means I am also unable to access the winter fuel payment, a vital source of support during the harshest months of the year.
“Due to health reasons, my partner is unable to work or claim Universal Credit, leaving us in a particularly precarious position.
“This gap in the system is affecting thousands of pensioners like myself. People who are being punished simply because their partner is younger than they are.
“This has profound and worrying consequences. As we face rising living costs, many of us are struggling to afford basic necessities.”
She said the health of pensioners could suffer if they are unable to heat their homes properly over the winter and that many are put off applying for Pension Credit by the 22-page form that needs to be filled out.
Later at the meeting, councillors agreed to help make city pensioners aware of the benefits they may be entitled to – and additional help such as the council’s own Discretionary Welfare Assistance Scheme.
Cllr Karen Holmes said nearly 90 per cent of pensioners currently eligible for winter fuel payments in Worcester will no longer be able to claim them – and the paperwork for Pension Credit “can be daunting”.
“Yes there is a gap in our finances, but just-getting-by pensioners should not be penalised,” she said.
Cllr John Rudge said councillors had heard a “heartfelt plea” and that Labour’s cuts were “clunky and lacking in finesse”.
“People going to hospital because they can’t heat their homes is a realistic possibility,” he added.
Cllr Elena Round said voluntary advice agencies were already facing “unprecedented demand and requests for help” because of the “utterly appalling policy”.