A public information campaign could be launched to help ensure Lancashire pensioners do not lose their winter fuel allowance unnecessarily.

Lancashire County Council is considering extra funding for its welfare advice service to boost the take-up of pension credit. 

Access to that benefit now determines who will receive the annual winter fuel payment following the government’s decision to scrap the previously universal allowance for all but the poorest pensioners.

One Lancashire Labour MP says the threshold that has now been set for entitlement to the annual support – worth £200 to those over 66 and £300 to the over-80s – risks excluding residents who are still in need of it.

In order to be eligible for the winter fuel allowance, a single person must now have a weekly income of less than £218.15 and a couple less than £332.95 – meaning more than 252,000 Lancashire residents who used to get the payment will no longer do so.

Lorraine Beavers, who represents Blackpool North and Fleetwood, was one of more than 50 Labour parliamentarians not to take part in a Commons vote on Tuesday in which the Conservatives attempted to block the changes.

She said she was unable to participate in the proceedings, because she was on compassionate leave following a recent bereavement.  But she has now called on her party to tweak its controversial plans.

She said: “The previous Conservative government left us with the public finances in a dire state – and it is right that the government is taking steps to repair this.

“I am of the view, however, that the threshold now set for receipt of winter fuel payments is too low and I urge the government to take any steps to mitigate the impact of this – including looking at linking payments to council tax banding, as has been suggested by [consumer finance expert] Martin Lewis, as well as other proposals.”

Three other Lancs Labour MPs – Hyndburn’s Sarah Smith Chris Webb (Blackpool South) and Lancaster’s Cat Smith, also failed to register a vote on Tuesday. 

Eight others voted for the reduction in entitlement, while Fylde Conservative Andrew Snowden and Blackburn independent Adnan Hussian opposed the change.

County councillors are exploring the possibility of enhancing schemes to provide short-term support to struggling elderly residents with their energy bills in the wake of the winter fuel allowance cut.

County deputy leader Cllr Alan Vincent, said the authority was awaiting government advice about the rules for the recently-extended Household Support Fund (HSF), under which local authorities can provide discretionary grants to residents in need of help with essentials – including heating bills.

The last county fund handout was £9.6m, which went to districts like Hyndburn and Burnley to dish out.

Pending a consultation with the districts, Cllr Vincent said there was potential for a “county-wide scheme” to be established to help those having to cope without winter fuel allowance for the first time this year.

He also said County Hall could invest some of the cash in the warm and welcome spaces initiative that has operated across Lancashire for the past two years.

He added:  “I am deeply concerned about the impact of the withdrawal of winter fuel payments from some of our most vulnerable residents. It will have a devastating impact on many…particularly those living in rural areas.”

Blackburn with Darwen council leader Phil Riley said:  “We are urging everyone who is entitled to pension credit to be able to claim it, to help them financially and to make sure they can still claim the winter fuel allowance.

“Please could friends and family of people over pension age also help to get involved to make their loved ones aware of the benefit and encourage them to apply.”

For more information on pension credit and how to apply, go to: gov.uk/pension-credit or blackburn.gov.uk/cost-living-support.  Age UK Blackburn with Darwen can also be contacted for further advice on 01254 266620.