The Executive Leader of Huntingdonshire District Council, Cllr Sarah Conboy, has defended her decision to vote against a motion calling for support for pensioners in Huntingdonshire.

At a Huntingdonshire District Council meeting held on October 16, Conservative councillors put forward a motion regarding more support for pensioners amid concerns about the cut to winter fuel payments. 

The motion called for:

  • The Council Leader to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer urging a review of the decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment
  • Commit Huntingdonshire District Council to sign the 'Save the Winter Fuel Payment for Struggling Pensioners' petition being run by Age UK
  • Encourage the council to promote pension credit uptake through council services and partnerships with local charities

However, the motion, which was proposed by Councillor Ross Martin, was blocked at the council meeting.

Councillor Sarah Conboy, Executive Leader at Huntingdonshire District Council, has defended her decision to vote against the motion.

She said: "The Conservative Party has put nearly identical motions to every council in the country as part of a national party political decision - I sat through two near-identical motions yesterday in two different councils.

She added that the motion, "did not explicitly mention Huntingdonshire and was part of the nationally orchestrated Conservative campaign, many, like me, felt unable to support it despite worrying about how changes would affect our most financially vulnerable."

The motion, headed by Councillor Ross Martin, reads: "While some pensioners currently in receipt of the Winter Fuel Payment may not require it, many thousands across Huntingdonshire sit just above the cut-off for Pension Credit and will now lose their allowance."

Cllr Conboy added that at the council meeting, she informed councillors that they would be letting people know about the pension credits, and would raise awareness about the Council Tax Support Scheme.

Councillor Stephen Ferguson has also encouraged Huntingdonshire residents to check if they are eligible for pension credit. 

He said: "We want to improve the quality of life for residents, and understand the important role we have in helping people get support when it's needed.

"If you think you, or someone you know, might qualify for Pension Credit, please visit the GOV.UK website or call 0800 99 1234."