The new government has been forced to make cuts to Winter Fuel Allowance in response to the serious economic challenges it inherited, forcing difficult decisions nationally on how to allocate resources. Despite these worrying challenges, Stockport Labour believes that more can and must be done locally.
At our last council meeting, we introduced a motion to provide extra financial support to pensioners struggling with rising energy costs. Our proposal, modelled on a successful scheme in Milton Keynes, was a practical and targeted solution. It aimed to provide financial help to those struggling the most, using funds that have already come in from the government. This initiative would have meant that more Stockport pensioners were entitled to financial help with their heating costs.
Other neighbouring authorities, including Bolton and Manchester, have implemented innovative solutions to protect their most vulnerable residents. Unfortunately, the Lib Dem administration in Stockport, which has the power to do the same, seems more interested in scoring political points than in helping local people.
It’s deeply disappointing that both the Liberal Democrats and Green councillors in Stockport chose to block this support. This decision directly affects some of our elderly residents, leaving them without the help they need to keep warm this winter.
We will keep fighting for our most vulnerable residents. It’s time for the administration to put local people before national politics.
Cllr David Meller, Leader of Stockport Labour Group