Conservative Councillors along with support from Independent Members have put together a couple of motions for the meeting of full council at 7pm on 3rd October 2024. We encourage members of the community affected by this really bad decision to attend the meeting in the public gallery as we think that it will be interesting to hear the defence from Labour Councillors.
They think that the Conservative Triple Lock Plus protection of pensioners' pensions is being used as some kind of marker as to that being some kind of replacement and justification for the cut. This is an horrendous justification and we are sure many of you agree. Here is the contents of our proposed motion to be heard.
Motion to Hartlepool Borough Council: Request for Blanket Reinstatement of Winter Fuel Payments for All Pensioners
Background and Rationale:
Winter Fuel Payments are a vital resource for all pensioners, particularly during the colder months when heating costs rise. Many pensioners rely on these payments to maintain a safe and warm living environment. These individuals have spent their working lives contributing to society and paying taxes, and it is only fair that they receive support without additional barriers or qualifications.
The introduction of means testing for Winter Fuel Payments has caused unnecessary hardship and anxiety among pensioners. This process excludes many who are in need and unfairly penalises those who have contributed to the public purse for decades.
Moreover, it is deeply concerning that while pensioners are subject to means testing to receive basic support, Members of Parliament, such as Hartlepool MP Jonathan Brash, receive a salary of £91,346 plus expenses, including all office costs and wider accommodation. This disparity highlights a significant injustice in how resources are allocated and who is prioritised for financial support.
This motion calls for the complete reinstatement of Winter Fuel Payments for all pensioners, without any form of means testing. Pensioners deserve to live with dignity and should not have to worry about their ability to afford heating during the winter months, especially when public funds are more freely allocated to others in different positions.
Motion:
This Council requests the following actions be taken immediately:
Blanket Reinstatement of Winter Fuel Payments:
Hartlepool Borough Council urges the relevant government departments and
agencies to reinstate Winter Fuel Payments for all pensioners, without any
means testing. All pensioners, regardless of income or other financial factors,
should receive this payment automatically in recognition of their lifelong
contributions to society through taxes.
Fair Treatment of Pensioners:
We call upon the government to recognise that pensioners, having paid their
taxes and contributed to society over many decades, deserve unconditional
support. It is unjust that pensioners are subjected to means testing while MPs,
such as Hartlepool's Jonathan Brash, receive substantial salaries and expenses.
The government must prioritise the basic needs of all citizens, particularly the
elderly.
Support for Universal Benefits for Pensioners:
Hartlepool Borough Council advocates for a return to universal benefits for
pensioners, ensuring that all receive the necessary support to cover essential
living costs such as heating. This measure will prevent any pensioner from being
left out or struggling to meet basic needs during the winter months.
Challenge to Policy Penalising Vulnerable Populations:
This Council challenges the policy decision to introduce means testing for Winter Fuel Payments, which disproportionately affects vulnerable pensioners.
We demand that the government explain why pensioners, among the most
vulnerable in our society, are targeted first for cuts to essential benefits, while
public funds are allocated for substantial salaries and expenses of MPs and their
teams.
5. Advocacy and Continued Support:
The Council commits to continued advocacy on behalf of our pensioners and to
providing support for those in need. We stand with our elderly residents in
demanding fair treatment and the immediate reinstatement of universal Winter
Fuel Payments.
Conclusion:
Hartlepool Borough Council believes it is unjust for pensioners to face financial hardship or complex bureaucratic processes to receive the support they deserve, especially when others receive substantial financial support without similar scrutiny. The removal of means testing and the reinstatement of Winter Fuel Payments for all pensioners is a matter of fairness and respect for those who have contributed to our community and country throughout their lives. We urge immediate action to address this issue and ensure all pensioners receive the support they need and deserve.
We request the Council to approve this motion and take the necessary steps to advocate for the blanket reinstatement of Winter Fuel Payments for all pensioners, ensuring no one is left behind.
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