Lib Dems call for proper pensions for elderly

11.24.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 27th Sep 2006

At a meeting of the Council today 27th September 2006 Councillor Kath Pinnock, leader of the Liberal Democrats in Kirklees will ask fellow Councillors to back her request to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer explaining the effects of his policies on creating poverty amongst older people in Kirklees.

Lib Dems call for proper pensions for elderly

Councillor Pinnock will say "The number of older people living in fuel poverty and unable to heat their homes properly this winter, is likely to have doubled in only two years. Energy price hikes and the falling value of the Winter Fuel Payment in real terms are likely to have caused the number of pensioner households in fuel poverty to more than double since 2004. This means that around ½million households with someone aged 70+ will now be affected by fuel poverty. The Winter Fuel Payment, aimed at helping those over 60 meet the cost of heating their homes, only makes a small dent in the spiralling costs of energy bills which have reached an all-time high of almost £1,000 per year. Three years ago the £200 payment covered just over one third (35%) of the average annual gas and electricity bill. It now covers just one fifth (20%)."

She will go on to say "I welcome the Warm Zone scheme to Kirklees as it will help residents tap into millions of pounds of unclaimed energy grants and benefits whilst reducing the cost of their heating bills" says Councillor Pinnock. "But we will be making very sure that the Warm Zone initiative is targeted on real needs and not on post codes."

Councillor Pinnock will also be asking the Chancellor of the Exchequer to review his policies to make sure that pensioners receive a proper level of state pension so that they have a decent level of income and not be reliant on pre-election bribes such as the Winter Fuel Allowance.

"I am sick of "crocodile tears" from Labour Councillors over poverty whilst the Government they represent fails consistently to reduce wealth inequality and tackle poverty" says Councillor Pinnock.