At this month’s full council meeting, the council debated a motion originally tabled by Cllr. Mark John (Ind, St. Bride’s Minor & Ynysawdre) on the impact of the UK Government’s cuts to Winter Fuel Payment.
The original version of the motion called for the council to use the Civic Offices as a warm hub for elderly residents affected by the changes.
Under the UK Government’s plans, only pensioners who receive Pension Credit will be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment.
Both Cllr. Jonathan Pratt (Con, Newton) and Cllr. Ross Penhale-Thomas (Ind, Maesteg West) noted the low take-up of Pension Credit. The latter tabled an amendment calling for the council to take measures to help eligible residents apply for it.
Cllr. Penhale-Thomas assessd that 87% of pensioners living in Bridgend County would lose their Winter Fuel Payment – based on figures from Age Cymru. Announcing such a change without some compensating measure was wrong.
Debate narrowed by Mayor
Some opposition councillors – namely Cllr. Tim Thomas (Ind, St Bride’s Minor & Ynysawdre) and Cllr. Martin Williams (Ind, Coity Higher) – tried to offer examples and evidence on what kind of effect the policy would have on the elderly in the county.
However, they were shut down by the Mayor, Cllr. Heather Griffiths (Lab, Garw Valley), and the debate was narrowed down to a discussion on whether the Civic Offices was suitable to use as a “warm hub”.
Many speakers argued that community centres and existing local hubs would be a better option given the Civic Offices was a workplace.
After amendments tabled by Cllrs. Penhale-Thomas and Jane Gebbie (Lab, Pyle, Kenfig Hill & Cefn Cribwr) were merged, the final version of the motion was approved.
The Council:
- Regrets the UK Government’s decision to make cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment.
- Believes any person affected or otherwise struggling to heat their home is directed to available community centres, libraries, partner agencies and warm hubs supported by the council.
- Recognises that Pension Credit is underclaimed, and supports directing eligible residents to partner agencies to help them complete relevant forms/applications.
