Thousands can still claim cash to offset fuel cuts

More than 4,500 eligible people in Hull are not claiming Pension Credit, a policy group said

Pensioners are being urged to apply for benefits following the removal of winter fuel payments.

Following a vote in parliament on Tuesday, the £300 payments will only be given to people on means-tested benefits.

Hull City Council is encouraging people to check whether they are eligible for Pension Credit, which would trigger the fuel allowance.

Recent figures from Policy in Practice show that more than 4,500 people in the city are eligible for the extra support but have not claimed.

The social policy group said that applying for the benefit could mean additional payments beyond fuel payments, such as housing benefits, council tax support and a free TV Licence, adding up to an average of £10,000 a year.

Policy in Practice said more than £10.5m is going unclaimed in Hull.

Lib Dem council leader Mike Ross said the authority was "keen to support pensioners as much as we can".

“Given the Government’s changes to winter fuel payments, I would urge anyone who is eligible for Pension Credit to sign up," he said.

“There is a range of support available to provide help during the colder months, including warm spaces in our communities."

Andrew Frost said he would be affected by the decision on winter fuel payments

Recently retired Andrew Frost, from Hull, who has asthma, said he was in "complete shock" at the vote.

"This will affect me greatly because my money is only just above the threshold," he said.

"I worked out I'd have about £230 a month to live on, most of it would come out on food.

"I am going to have to weigh up the costs of heating and eating."

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the cut was needed to fill a budgetary "black hole"

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said restricting the winter fuel payment was necessary to help fill a £22bn "black hole" she said the government inherited from the Conservatives.

During the commons debate, Conservative MP Sir Edward Leigh described the decision as a "punishment beating" and said Labour's claims about the previous government's financial decisions were "absolute and complete rubbish".

The decision to axe the benefit is expected to save £1.4bn a year.

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