Leader of Knowsley Council, Cllr Graham Morgan, has called on the Government to rethink the threshold at which the Winter Fuel Allowance will no longer be paid to pensioners.

Putting forward a notice of motion at Wednesday’s Council meeting, Cllr Morgan also urged pensioners to ensure they aren’t missing out on Pension Credit that they might be entitled to, which will also help with the cost of heating their homes over winter.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Morgan welcomed the announcement by the new Government that the Household Support Fund would continue, with Knowsley receiving £1.86m over the next six months.

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Cllr Morgan said: "This is great news for the thousands of residents who we are able to continue to support with this funding.

"I also welcome the maintaining of the triple lock on pensions, and the continuing provision of the Warm Homes plan which is a sustainable way of keeping down domestic fuel bills."

But he acknowledged that the removal of winter fuel allowance may leave some pensioners struggling, and called on the Government to raise the threshold so that more pensioners will still be eligible for the support.

He told the meeting that the Council and local MPs were working hard to ensure that as many local people as possible get the help and support they need to help them heat their homes this winter – urging older residents to ensure they apply for Pension Credit if they may be eligible.