Importance of Northumberland's public warm spaces stressed after "harsh" winter fuel payments cut

The leader of Northumberland County Council has stressed the importance of the county's network of warm spaces after what he described as the "harsh" decision to cut winter fuel payments.

A network of community spaces are now open across Northumberland, allowing the public a space to come together in a warm environment throughout the winter months. The council has worked alongside voluntary groups and other organisations to open up the warm spaces in venues such as community centres, church halls, libraries and community hubs.

The Government's decision to cut winter fuel payments for most pensioners has been strongly criticised by the council's Conservative administration. Around 70,000 older people in the county are set to be affected by the cut.

Council leader Glen Sanderson said: "It will be a very difficult winter. Taking away the winter fuel allowance was a very harsh decision, and something we felt was wrong.

"People who have saved a little bit of money all their working lives are going to find themselves on the wrong side of the line for help. There will always be some people who don't need it, but doing away with it I think that is unfair and unreasonable.

"There are 70,000 pensioners in Northumberland who stand to lose out. Our warm spaces offer give people the opportunity to find somewhere warm and get something hot to drink, to explain their position and see if we can help.

“I want to thank all those volunteers and community organisations and our staff here at Northumberland County Council for their continued dedication and support of those in our communities who need it most.

“These warm spaces are a place to meet others or simply spend some time quietly in a warm and welcoming environment. It is really humbling to see people in our communities come together like this and make a difference to others – thank you.”

Some warm spaces will offer advice on additional benefits and support residents could be entitled to. The council say each warm space is different, but a "warm welcome is guaranteed".

The Government's decision will see winter fuel payments become means tested. Households in England and Wales will no longer be entitled from this year unless they receive pension credit or certain other means-tested benefits.

Responding to the criticism of the decision, Northumberland Labour leader Coun Scott Dickinson said: "The fact of the matter is, warm spaces have been around for years.

"Warm hubs are a consequence of the Conservative cost of living crisis. They work in partnership with foodbanks, which have increased to a shocking level in Northumberland over the last 14 years that we should all be ashamed of.

"Labour councillors are working with residents to ensure they have access to the support they are entitled to."

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