Reading Lib Dems call for Winter Fuel Payments to be backdated for local pensioners

Reading Liberal Democrats have called on the Government to backdate the Winter Fuel Payment for local pensioners who lost out last winter.

Under the Government’s plans, all pensioners earning £35,000 a year or less will have their Winter Fuel Payments reinstated this coming winter. However, those who are now eligible but lost out last winter won’t be reimbursed under the Government’s plans.

Councillor Anne Thompson has called on the Government to backdate the support for pensioners in Reading who were stripped of the winter fuel payment last winter and are now entitled to support this time.

Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Reading Borough Council, Councillor Anne Thompson, said:

“I am glad that the Government has finally listened to the Liberal Democrats and other tireless campaigners in realising what a disastrous policy this was for elderly people in Reading.

“I heard countless stories from people here in Reading who were struggling to make ends meet after this support was stripped away. If the Government has truly listened, it should be backdating these payments to all those who lost support last winter but will receive it this time around.

“It is the least pensioners deserve after what they had to suffer through this winter. The Liberal Democrats will be pushing the Government every step of the way in Parliament, to force their hand and get these payments backdated.”