Renfrewshire Conservatives are to challenge both the SNP and Labour governments to reverse their decision to axe universal winter fuel payments.
Councillor Alec Leishman – who represents Erskine and Inchinnan – is set to bring forward a motion at the next full meeting of Renfrewshire Council on 26th September.
It has been seconded by his colleague for Renfrew North and Braehead John Gray.
The motion calls on councillors of all parties to voice their opposition to the cuts – which the Labour Government brought forward in the UK parliament, and the SNP Government have followed suit in Scotland.
Plans to means-test Winter Fuel Payment in England and Wales will see the Scottish Government’s funding cut by up to £160 million.
The Scottish Government said last month they were left with “no choice” following funding cut.
Councillor Leishman has asked members to back his calls to write to both governments urging them to reverse the cuts, which will affect tens of thousands of pensioners across Renfrewshire.
The motion also calls on efforts to be stepped up to promote the uptake of Pension Credit among pensioners in Renfrewshire, if the winter fuel payment cuts are not reversed.
Councillor Leishman says the cuts “betray” pensioners that he represents and that many of them will now be left with a choice between heating and eating this winter.
Councillor Gray added that councillors of all parties “should do the right thing” and send a message that Renfrewshire Council is united against the cuts.
Councillor Alec Leishman said: “I am proud to be bringing forward this motion for the Renfrewshire Conservatives who will always be on the side of pensioners.
“The new UK Labour Government and the SNP Government have both betrayed pensioners that I represent with their cuts to winter fuel payments.
“There is a real risk that many across Renfrewshire will now be left with a choice between heating and eating this winter.
“I urge councillors of all parties to back my motion and stand in the face of these appalling cuts which will hit Renfrewshire’s pensioners hard.”
Councillor John Gray added: “The u-turn by Labour on their previous pledge to keep winter fuel payments was disgraceful, as was the SNP’s decision to follow suit.
“This will have a devastating impact on pensioners across Renfrewshire and I am firmly opposed to these cuts.
“Councillors should do the right thing and send a powerful message to both the UK Labour Government and SNP Government that Renfrewshire Council is united against the axing of universal winter fuel payments.”