Cheshire East Independents Align with Tories on Winter Fuel Payments

Cheshire East: Recently, the council had a heated discussion about winter fuel payments. The Tories brought up a motion after many pensioners lost their allowances. They wanted to express concerns to the government about how this affects vulnerable residents.

The motion aimed to get the winter fuel allowance reinstated. It also called for the council leaders to reach out to local MPs for support. They wanted to raise awareness about pension credit applications too.

Initially, the motion was supposed to be debated in October, but the mayor decided to delay it. Finally, it was discussed at a recent committee meeting, where some Labour councillors felt it was outdated.

Cllr Andrew Kolker, who proposed the motion, shared his worries about elderly folks living in cold homes. He emphasized the need to help them stay warm. Cllr Stewart Gardiner added that not keeping warm could lead to higher medical costs.

Some councillors believed the motion had lost its relevance. Cllr Jill Rhodes mentioned that the council had already informed pensioners about available help. The motion eventually passed, with support from five Conservatives and three Independents, while Labour councillors voted against it.