FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tower Hamlets Labour Group Calls on Mayor Rahman to Protect Older Residents Facing Energy Bill Crisis
PRESS RELEASE
Tower Hamlets Labour Group Calls on Mayor Rahman to Protect Older Residents Facing Energy Bill Crisis
For Immediate Release 18/9/24
Tower Hamlets Labour Group has tabled a motion calling on Mayor Lutfur Rahman to step in and protect older residents who are set to lose out on the Winter Fuel Payment. With up to 9,000 Tower Hamlets pensioners affected by the Labour Government’s decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment to balance the books after the Conservatives’ economic chaos, Labour councillors are proposing local action to support those who will struggle to heat their homes this winter.
The Winter Fuel Payment, introduced by the last Labour Government in 1999, was a lifeline for older people facing rising gas and electric bills. Yet nearly 20 years later, the payment remains capped at £300 for over-80s and £200 for under-80s, despite a dramatic increase in energy prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The new Labour Government, inheriting an economic crisis, has made the difficult decision to end the Winter Fuel Payment for those not in receipt of Pension Credit.
Cllr Marc Francis (Bow East) who is proposing the motion said:
“Many of our older residents have small occupational pensions or savings that take them just over the qualifying limit for Pension Credit. However, they are far from wealthy. With energy prices still sky high, these pensioners will be forced to make impossible choices—whether to keep their homes warm or cut back on essential needs. Given just how much money is being spent on other things, including the mayor’s own office, Lutfur Rahman can and should step in to help.”
The Labour Group is proposing that Tower Hamlets Council use its financial resources to cover a one-off local Winter Fuel Payment. This scheme would offer £300 to over-80s and £200 to under-80s who are not in receipt of Pension Credit, helping to ensure no elderly resident is left behind during the harsh winter months. With around £1.5 million needed to fund the scheme, Labour councillors are calling on the Mayor to take action immediately.
Newly elected Cllr Abdi Mohamed (Bow East) who is seconding the motion:
“Thanks to the responsible financial management of the last local Labour administration, Tower Hamlets Council is in a strong financial position to make a real difference. The current Mayor has the resources to step in and support older East Enders who narrowly miss out on assistance. This is a simple, affordable solution that can be swiftly implemented at the local level, and it’s the right thing to do.”
In addition to establishing a local scheme, Tower Hamlets Labour is backing the campaign by Age UK, charities, and trade unions to persuade the Prime Minister and Chancellor to reconsider their decision and reinstate the Winter Fuel Payment for all pensioners. The Labour Group believes this essential payment is more vital than ever as energy costs continue to rise, and they are calling on Mayor Rahman to join the campaign.
The motion will be debated at the upcoming council meeting, where Labour councillors hope to see decisive action from the mayor and his administration to protect vulnerable residents during the cost-of-living crisis.
ENDS
