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An amendment was approved to the Notice of
Motion which was approved.
 
This council notes the Labour
government’s recent decision to restrict the Winter Fuel
Allowance only to pensioners in receipt of means-tested benefits
such as Pension Credit, as announced recently by Chancellor Rachel
Reeves. 
Chorley Council recognises that this decision
was taken as part of measures to tackle the £22bn
‘black hole’ in the public finances left by the
previous Conservative government.
 
The council acknowledges the significant role
that Winter Fuel Allowance played in helping older residents in
Chorley and across the UK to afford their heating bills during the
winter months and the additional strain the removal of this
allowance will place on vulnerable pensioners and those who do not
claim or are not entitled to Pension Credit.
 
Therefore, the council resolves to undertake
the following in support of our residents:

•        Bring forward
a council led local awareness campaign to alert those eligible for
Pension Credit, working with partners, charities and community
organisations to ensure all eligible pensioners claim their
entitlement. 

•        Continue
Chorley’s Council’s ongoing work to support people with
their fuel bills and assist those who are vulnerable during the
winter months through schemes such as the

o      
Affordable Warmth Grants,

o      
Warm/Welcome Spaces Scheme,

o       UKSPF
Cost of Living Grants

•        The Leader of
the Council is to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to
outline the concerns of councillors and members of the public in
Chorley about the impact of this decision and urge the government
to extend further targeted financial support to the most vulnerable
groups who are impacted by this decision.