Campaign Winter fuel payment


Winter fuel protest – Unite takes the fight around UK. Above is protest outside Holyrood


Compounding the problem is that in rural areas like the Scottish Borders, winters can be significantly colder than in urban areas, which benefit from what’s called the ‘urban heat island’ effect.


“The more rural you get in the Scottish Borders, the colder the conditions are – up in the higher grounds, you reliably get snow and ice every winter,” Eck noted.


Eck added that it angers him that the Winter Fuel Allowance is seen as a handout by the government rather than an entitlement.


“Pensioners have worked their entire lives, many in very difficult jobs – state pensions and related entitlements are things you’ve earned. You shouldn’t have to fill out a 24-page document to get your £300 so you don’t die from the cold.”


Eck was referring to the paperwork involved in applying for Pension Credit, now that receiving the Winter Fuel Allowance is contingent on it. And this is another arena in which Eck says rural pensioners will be particularly affected.


“Digital exclusion is rampant in rural areas across the UK,” Eck noted. “If you’re an older person who doesn’t have a computer or isn’t comfortable using one, you’ll need help filling out the forms. But to get the help you need, you’ll need to go to the nearest town, which might be 20 miles away. If there is public transport, it’s a blooming marathon getting from A to B. And once you do get to B, you might go to your local Citizens Advice, which is already snowed under. You can’t win.”


Indeed, since chancellor Rachel Reeves first announced the cut to Winter Fuel Allowance in July, there has been a surge of Pension Credit applications, with a growing backlog. In mid- November, there were around 90,000 unprocessed claims, with around 9,000 being processed each week. There are fears that thousands of people have missed out on Winter Fuel Allowance this winter even if they applied for the benefit because of processing delays.


“Quite frankly I believe people will die as a direct result of this cut,” Eck said. “Pensioners are already dealing with higher food prices and fuel bills, which have gone up again in January. I think it’s disgraceful that pensioners are being forced to go cap in hand to the government just to keep warm.”


As grim as the situation is, Eck emphasised that he couldn’t be prouder to be part of Unite, which has played a leading role in campaigning against the cut to Winter Fuel Allowance.


In September, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham gave a stirring speech as she moved a motion calling for a reversal to the cut at Labour Party Conference.


Despite Labour Party attempts to block the motion, it was passed in an important symbolic victory. Unite has also organised protests up and down the country on the issue, galvanizing its retired, industrial and community members like never before.


And most recently, Unite is now taking the fight to reverse the government’s cut all the way to the High Court with a judicial review.


20 uniteLANDWORKER Winter 2024


Commenting on the court case, Sharon Graham said, “Labour’s decision to pick the pocket of pensioners was wrong on every level. The government has been given every opportunity to reverse its decision and it has failed to do so.


“This is a rushed, ill-thought-out policy and the government clearly failed to follow the proper legal measures before executing it. With winter approaching the courts must now hold the government to account and reverse this cruel cut as quickly as possible.”


Eck praised Unite’s work on the issue.


“If it weren’t for Sharon Graham standing up at Labour conference, this issue would have been forgotten about. We’re the only union campaigning on the Winter Fuel Allowance – Unite is leading the way showing that they care about their retired members. It’s fantastic seeing that support and solidarity.”


Mark Thomas Mark Thomas


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40