Opposition has grown in Bolton to the governments controversial plan to cut winter fuel payments for pensioners. This week elderly protesters staged a demonstration against the planned cut outside the Labour Party conference in Liverpool. Bolton has already seen a petition by the Bolton and District Pensioners Association aimed at stopping the cut, while the borough’s Green Party branch has also voiced its opposition.
Chair Alan Johnson said: “Bolton Green Party, totally opposes the Government withdrawal of the winter fuel allowance as does the party nationally. “We are dismayed at a Labour Government attack on pensioners, who in the main are some of the poorest, and most vulnerable, in our society. Winter fuel payments are set to be cut (Image: PA) “To take this benefit away from the majority of pensioners, is cruel, wrongheaded, and not necessary.
“Extra revenue can be got by taxing the richest in our country, millionaires and billionaires, would not feel an extra one per cent tax on them. “How can Labour MPs vote for this cruel and savage attack, including Bolton South and Walkden, Bolton North East MPs, Bolton West MP, was out of country at the time of the vote, how do these MPs sleep at night. “We call on all Labour MPs to urge the Government to rethink, and leave the winter fuel allowance, for all pensioners in place.
” Originally, winter fuel payments had given older people a one-off tax-free payment of either £200 or £300 to help them pay energy bills.