Hinckley and Bosworth councillor welcomes winter fuel U-turn

Leader of Leicestershire Lib Dem County Councillors Michael Mullaney has warmly welcomed the Government’s decision to reverse cuts to the Winter Fuel Allowance. 

The Chancellor has announced changes to the thresholds for winter fuel payments in which anyone earning £35,000 or below will have their payment reinstated for this winter.

Liberal Democrats have been campaigning for the winter fuel cuts to be reversed since the decision was announced in July last year. Michael Mullaney proposed motions opposing the cuts to Winter Fuel Payments to both Leicestershire County Council and Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council. Both Councils gave their support to the motions and they wrote to the government calling for a change of policy.

Speaking today, Michael said: “After many months of campaigning, I’m relieved that the Chancellor has finally seen sense and is reinstating winter fuel payments for those who need them.

“Many pensioners in Leicestershire and beyond were put into the heartbreaking situation last winter of being forced to choose between heating and eating. 

“For their sake I am relieved that the Government has changed its mind but I am disappointed it has taken so long.”