A CROSS-party plea for the Government to review a decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Allowance has been sent from Somerset.

Political leaders at Somerset Council – from the Liberal Democrats, Conservatives, Labour, Green and Indepenents – have written to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to express “deep concerns” over the move.

The decision, announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, would see the WFA – a payment of £200 to £300 – removed from anyone who does not receive Pension Credit.

Since it was announced, the move has prompted strong criticism from across the political divide, despite it being pledged in the 2017 Conservative party manifesto.

“This letter is a cross-party appeal to you to urge the Chancellor of the Exchequer to carry out a thorough review of the decision to remove the Winter Fuel Payment,” the letter said.

“We are particularly concerned about the impact this will have on vulnerable pensioners, especially those who do not claim Pension Credit and are therefore at a heightened risk of fuel poverty.”

An estimated 110,000 people in Somerset were eligible to receive the WFA, but that would drop dramatically under the new plans.

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“The Winter Fuel Allowance has been a crucial lifeline for many elderly residents in Somerset, helping them to stay warm during the harsh winter months,” the leaders’ letter added.

“Removing this benefit could lead to increased health issues and financial strain for those already struggling to make ends meet.”

It comes after a motion and debate at a recent Full Council meeting.

The letter has cross-party support and is signed by Cllr Bill Revans, leader of Somerset Council and the Liberal Democrat Group, Cllr David Fothergill, leader of the Conservative Group, Cllr Leigh Redman, leader of the Labour Group, Cllr Dave Mansell, leader of the Green Group, and Cllr John Hunt, leader of the Independent Group.

In defence of the decision, the Prime Minister has previously said it was a “tough” one to make, and admitted his government was “going to have to be unpopular”.

“When we talk about tough decisions, I’m talking about the things the last government ran away from,” he said.

However, others in his own party have refused to back the move.

Labour MP Rachael Maskell told the BBC the economic case for the cut had been “shredded”, while union leaders have also led calls for the move to be scrapped.

Taunton & Wellington MP, Gideon Amos

Taunton & Wellington MP, Liberal Democrat Gideon Amos, has launched a campaign to get as many Somerset pensioners signed up for Pension Credit as possible in the coming weeks.

“We all understand that the wealthiest can manage without this payment,” he said. “My own Mum used to give hers to charity.

“But some of the country’s poorest and most vulnerable older people are being caught up in this and will lose vital funds to help them keep the heating on in the next few months.

“The government’s own estimates show that 880,000 pensioners who are poor enough to get Pension Credit aren’t registered.

“In areas like Taunton and Wellington, which have higher than average older populations, that could be around 2,000 people here who will lose help they desperately need.”

Meanwhile, Somerset Council will be working with partners in the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector to support vulnerable residents across the county this winter, including distributing £3.8m from the Government’s Household Support Fund which can be used to provide food, fuel vouchers and essential items to those in need.

To find out more, visit www.somerset.gov.uk/care-and-support-for-adults/somerset-household-support-fund.

Residents are also encouraged to check if they could be eligible for Pension Credit, which provides extra money to help with living costs for people over state pension age and on a low income.

People can apply online at www.gov.uk/pension-credit, or call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.