Up to 400 pensioners, set to lose their Winter Fuel Allowance, are to be helped by a fighting fund set up by Test Valley councillors.

A cross-party group voted unanimously on Wednesday night (October 16) to allocate £20,000 to the Test Valley Winter Fuel Payment Scheme.

A further £20,000 may also be added to the fund for pensioners who need assistance with paying their bills.

Councillors hope that up to 400 of the most vulnerable elderly households in Test Valley will be helped by the proposal.

The move comes after the government’s recent decision to limit payments to those receiving means-tested benefits has caused distress among many elderly people.

Finance cabinet member Councillor Maureen Flood, and Liberal Democrat group leader Councillor Neil Gwynne put forward a motion to extend a scheme set up in 2022 to help those pensioners struggling to cover their fuel costs.

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Councillor Maureen Flood said: “This is a difficult time for pensioners and this decision has been made with very little notice.

"We’ve had the Test Valley Winter Fuel Payment Scheme in place since 2022, which enabled those who received a Winter Fuel Payment, but didn’t necessarily require it, to donate it locally to support those most in need.

"As they will no longer receive the payment and would therefore be unable to pass it on, we wanted to make sure that funding was still available to those who were struggling.”

Councillor Neil Gwynne added: “We would urge anyone who is struggling with their fuel payments to please get in touch with Citizens Advice as soon as possible. You are not alone, so please do not struggle in silence. There is support available to those who need it.”

Councillors have also agreed to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, urging a review of the decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment and to ensure that vulnerable pensioners, particularly those who are just above the threshold for Pension Credit, are protected from fuel poverty.

To access the funding, anyone who needs help is being urged to contact Citizens Advice (CA) as soon as possible on 0808 178 6882, or go to their website at www.testvalleycab.org.uk.