Councillors have agreed to help vulnerable pensioners losing their Winter Fuel Allowance at a recent meeting.

Members of Test Valley council, which covers Romsey, showed unanimous support for the proposal to allocate £20,000 to the Test Valley Winter Fuel Payment Scheme, and a further £20,000 if required, to help over 400 of the most vulnerable pensioner households in Test Valley.

Following the government’s recent decision to limit payments to those receiving means-tested benefits, finance cabinet member Councillor Maureen Flood and Liberal Democrat group leader Councillor Neil Gwynne proposed the idea.

Age UK estimates around two million pensioners will not receive the allowance as a result of the government changes. Previously, everyone over the age of 66 received a payment.

The council also agreed to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, urging a review of the decision and protection for vulnerable pensioners just above the Pension Credit threshold.

The leader of the council will sign the ‘Save the Winter Fuel Payment for Struggling Pensioners’ petition on behalf of Test Valley Borough Council, run by Age UK.

To access the funding, people should contact Citizens Advice on 0808 178 6882 or visit testvalleycab.org.uk.

Councillor Maureen Flood said: "This is a difficult time for pensioners and this decision has been made with very little notice. We’ve had the Test Valley Winter Fuel Payment Scheme in place since 2022, which enabled those who received a Winter Fuel Payment, but didn’t necessarily require it, to donate it locally to support those most in need."

Councillor Neil Gwynne said: "We would urge anyone who is struggling with their fuel payments to please get in touch with Citizens Advice as soon as possible. You are not alone, so please do not struggle in silence. There is support available to those who need it."