More than 200,000 people across Greater Lincolnshire are estimated to face difficulties after the government voted to remove the winter fuel allowance for all but the most financially vulnerable pensioners.
In South Holland the figure is put at 22,429 pensioners who will suffer directly as a result. Only Louth and Horncastle is predicted to have more in the county, with a figure of 25,238.
Starting this winter, only those claiming pension credit or other means-tested benefits will receive help with their fuel bills, after a Conservative motion to block the cuts was shot down in Parliament last week.
The motion was defeated by 348 votes to 228, with 58 Labour MPs not participating in the vote by way of protest.
Representatives from across Greater Lincolnshire appeared divided, with Labour’s Sir Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe), Hamish Falconer (Lincoln), and Melanie Onn (Great Grimsby & Cleethorpes) all voting in favour of the cuts by rejecting the Conservative motion.
County councillor Colin Davie, portfolio holder for Economic Development, Environment and Planning, stated that Labour had given pensioners the “V sign” by ending winter fuel payments for 90 per cent of them.
Meanwhile, opposition MPs Victoria Atkins (Louth and Horncastle), Sir John Hayes (South Holland and The Deepings), Dr Caroline Johnson (Sleaford and North Hykeham), Alicia Kearns (Rutland and Stamford), Sir Edward Leigh (Gainsborough), and Richard Tice (Boston and Skegness) voted against.
Up until now, pensioners aged up to 79 received £200 per household and over 80s £300 in a one-off non means-tested payment.
The move was widely criticised and there is uncertainty about any other Government financial help ahead of the Autumn Statement, due next month.
