Medway Council Debate On Slashing Of Winter Fuel Payment Marred By Accusations Of ‘party Politics’

A council debate on the winter fuel allowance was hijacked by accusations of councillors “playing politics”.

Labour and Tory members at Medway Council’s health and adult social care committee took aim at one another in a session discussing the health implications of the government’s cut to the payment.

Tory and Labour members accused each other of “playing politics” over an item about the health implications of the winter fuel allowance cut

The item at yesterday’s meeting (December 5) was brought by Cllr Habib Tejan (Con) who said the impact of the measure brought by Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour government needed to be discussed by the committee.

The report from officers outlined the health risks which lack of heating can pose and how it can exacerbate conditions such as arthritis, respiratory problems and cardiovascular diseases.

However, it also outlined the other initiatives available which can stand in for the winter fuel allowance, such as cold weather payments and the warm home discount.

It also said, based upon the currently available information, it is difficult to estimate how many residents in Medway would be affected by the change.

Cllr Tejan said: “We are already facing significant health challenges due to the winter and cold weather – the withdrawal of the winter fuel allowance will exacerbate these issues, leading to a surge in cold-related illnesses and hospital admissions.

Cllr Habib Tejan (Con) said the council should ask the government to reconsider the cut and look for alternative arrangements

“Our healthcare system is already under immense pressure and this decision will only compound the strain.

“It is imperative we address these challenges head on, advocating for the reinstatement of the allowance and exploring alternative measures.”

However, Labour members accused Cllr Tejan of playing politics and scaremongering with the issue, highlighting there was a push to get residents to access all the benefits, such as Pension Credit, available in order to mitigate the impact of the cut.

Cllr Lia Mandaracas (Lab) made the point the changes were necessary to close the reported budget gaps central government faces, but the means testing made sense to prioritise the poorest pensioners.

She said: “Under the previous policy Rod Stewart and Mick Jagger could claim Winter Fuel Allowance – are we saying they’re in dire need?

Cllr Lia Mandaracas (Lab) said, with the government's financial position, it did not make sense for Mick Jagger and Rod Stewart to receive the winter fuel allowance — Cllr Lia Mandaracas (Lab) said, with the government’s financial position, it did not make sense for Mick Jagger and Rod Stewart to receive the winter fuel allowance

“Or do we say when there is a massive black hole in a budget we can cut that chaff and then when there are those people who fall in the middle we make sure they are supported.”

But Cllr David Wildey (Con) said it was hypocritical of the Labour group, who had criticised the Tories for cuts the previous government had made.

He said: “I honestly think every member opposite, every officer, everybody in their heart really thinks that benefit should be paid – if anyone is playing politics, it’s you.

“If we’d cut this, you’d have been jumping up and down.”

Cllr David Wildey (Con) said if the winter fuel cut had been done by a Conservative government, the Labour group would have brought a similar item

Cllr Esther Cook (Lab) said she had confidence the other options available would safeguard residents and make sure no resident’s health would suffer as a result of the cut.

She said: “As I was reading the report, the question I was asking myself was “Is this a change to the possibility of a healthy life for people in Medway?”

“Those that are our very poorest have got their support, we can be sure of that. Those that are very wealthy – they didn’t need this money.

“So I’m asking ‘Is there a group in the middle who are at risk of ill-health because this has changed?’ and I have seen in this report and heard elsewhere, there is support for anyone slipping through the cracks.

“I feel very confident there may be a few people affected, but if they are there is support in place for them.”

Cllr Esther Cook (Lab) said her main concern was the people who might slip through, but she was confident they would be supported

Cllr George Crozer (IndGr) agreed with Cllr Cook that the important thing was ensuring no-one was adversely affected by the cut.

He said: “The important issue here is not the party politics, it’s whether those people are going to be picked up – and if officers could give us that assurance that would be very welcomed.”

Cllr George Crozer (IndGr) agreed with Cllr Cook that the important thing was the ensure no-one fell through the cracks

Cllr Smitha Campbell (Lab) said the Tories’ arguments were based on speculation and called the bringing of the item “unserious”.

Cllr David Wildey put forward the recommendation that the council proactively provide cold weather payments and warm home discounts to replace the lost winter fuel allowance.

However, this was voted down with four votes for, six votes against and one abstention.

Ultimately the committee agreed to note the report from officers responding to Cllr Tejan’s item.

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