Conservative councillors at Cambridgeshire County Council (CCC) have called for an awareness campaign into winter fuel payments.

Councillor Steve Count, the Conservative Group leader at CCC, has spearheaded a motion calling on the council to support residents who may be affected by the cuts to the winter fuel benefit.

The motion was kickstarted by the Labour government's announcement to means-test the winter fuel payment benefit, which would see around 10 million pensioners lose the payment.

A spokesperson for the Conservative Group at CCC have said that Labour's decision, "will deny crucial heating assistance to up to 124,303 pensioners across Cambridgeshire this winter".

As a result, the Group have put forward a motion calling for four items:

  • A "proactive, Council-led" awareness campaign to ensure eligible pensioners are informed about their rights to Pension Credit
  • A letter from the Chief Executive to the Chancellor of the Exchequer urging a review of the decision
  • Council commitment to support Age UK's 'Save the Winter Fuel Payment for Struggling Pensioners' petition and encouraging all members to join
  • An ongoing effort to promote Pension Credit uptake by collaborating with local charities and community organisations

The Conservative Group described the winter fuel payment as a "vital lifeline" for many in Cambridgeshire, and said that to limit access to it this winter would "endanger lives".

Cllr Count said: "We must not allow the most vulnerable in our community to be disregarded and left without essential support during the winter months."

The Group Leader also accused the Labour government of "abandoning" vulnerable members of society. 

Speaking to The Hunts Post, the Conservative MP for Huntingdon, Ben Obese-Jecty, said that he was "extremely worried" about the impact the cut will have on his constituents. 

He, like Conservative councillors at the County Council, is encouraging people to check whether they are eligible for pension credit.