Test Valley councillors have pledged support for vulnerable pensioners set to lose their Winter Fuel Allowance.

The Government's decision to limit payments to those receiving means-tested benefits has prompted action from finance cabinet member, Cllr Maureen Flood, and Liberal Democrat group leader, Cllr Neil Gwynne.

At a council meeting on Wednesday, October 16 they proposed extending a local scheme, set up in 2022, to help pensioners struggling to cover their fuel costs.

Age UK has estimated that the Government changes will deprive around two million pensioners of this essential winter fund.

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Previously, every individual over the age of 66 received a government payment.

The proposal to allocate £20,000 to the Test Valley Winter Fuel Payment Scheme was met with unanimous support from the council.

They have also pledged a further £20,000, if necessary, to back those of pensionable age in the borough who need help with their bills.

Councillors estimate that this could aid more than 400 of the most vulnerable pensioner households in Test Valley.

They have also agreed to petition the Chancellor of the Exchequer, asking for a review of the decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment.

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The council is seeking assurance from the Government that vulnerable pensioners, especially those just above the threshold for Pension Credit, are safeguarded against fuel poverty.

The leader of the council will sign the ‘Save the Winter Fuel Payment for Struggling Pensioners’ petition, run by Age UK, on behalf of TVBC.

All other councillors have been urged to sign the petition individually as well.

Cllr Flood said: "This is a difficult time for pensioners and this decision has been made with very little notice.

"We’ve had the Test Valley Winter Fuel Payment Scheme in place since 2022, which enabled those who received a Winter Fuel Payment, but didn’t necessarily require it, to donate it locally to support those most in need.

"As they will no longer receive the payment and would therefore be unable to pass it on, we wanted to make sure that funding was still available to those who were struggling."

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Cllr Gwynne added: "We would urge anyone who is struggling with their fuel payments to please get in touch with Citizens Advice as soon as possible.

"You are not alone, so please do not struggle in silence.

"There is support available to those who need it."

People requiring assistance are encouraged to contact Citizens Advice, who will assess their eligibility for financial help and provide wider support and advice.

Successful candidates will be referred to Unity, a Test Valley-based charity, for direct payment.