A push is being made for the elderly in Reading to apply for Pension Credit so that they can get winter fuel payments this year as thousands of pensioners are set to lose out.

The Labour government has decided to limit the winter fuel payment of £200 or £300 to only those who receive pension credit and other benefits.

More than 10,627 pensioners stand to lose winter fuel payments in Reading this year, as they do not receive pension credit.

That figure is according to government data on claimants in the Reading Central constituency.

That has led to a push for people to check whether they are eligible for pension credit in the town.

The Labour administration of Reading Borough Council was asked what it is doing to encourage people to claim pension credit at a recent meeting.

Ann Dally, a member of the public, said: "In the council area, Policy in Practise estimate there are 1,686 households missing out on Pension Credit of approx. £6.5 million - that is an average £3,851 a year per household.

"Pension Credit tops up your weekly income to £218.15 if you’re single and your joint weekly income to £332.95 if you have a partner.

"Receiving Pension Credit could mean people  are eligible for other benefits."

She went on to ask what the council is doing to publicise entitlement to Pension Credit, and how it will provide rapid support to make a claim as soon as possible.

The question was answered by Ellie Emberson (Labour, Coley), lead councillor for corporate services and resources.

Cllr Emberson said: "The council’s revenue & benefits service has identified 175 residents within the borough that are likely to be eligible for Pension Credits, but who are currently not claiming them.

"To help residents get access to all the support they are entitled to, the council has written to these 175, providing details of how to apply to the DWP for this additional payment.

The Labour administration was hammered by cllr Rob White (Green, Park) the leader of the opposition _

Cllr White said: "Labour research from 2017 claimed Tory plans to scrap the winter fuel payment for better-off pensioners could lead to almost 4,000 additional deaths over winter.

"With increased energy costs, more austerity coming and minimal progress insulating homes does the lead councillor think that this horrific Labour figure is accurate? If not why not?

Cllr Emberson replied that the council can only play a limited role of reviewing national research, and therefore would not be able to comment on the figure given.

Additionally, cllr James Moore (Liberal Democrats, Tilehurst) asked what other support the council will provide to those concerned about losing their winter fuel allowance.

Cllr Emberson replied that pensioners who do not meet the criteria for the Winter Fuel Payment but are eligible for Council Tax Reduction support will receive a payment of £200 this winter to help with their bills.

Finally, she encouraged pensioners to visit the Money Matters page on
the council’s website, which contains information about the support available.

All these questions were answered at the full council meeting on Wednesday, October 15.