Rutherglen’s MP is holding a drop-in event offering older people advice on how to cope at home during the cold winter months.
Michael Shanks , who voted in favour of introducing a means tested Winter Fuel Allowance, has announced that he will be holding a “Preparing for Winter” drop-in event at Rutherglen Town Hall.
It’s aimed at offering benefits and energy advice to constituents ahead of the winter period and helping people to check their eligibility for pension credit.
The event which will take place on October 25 will feature stalls from advice networks such as The Citizens’ Advice Bureau and Money Matters, registered charities Healthy ‘n’ Happy Community Development Trust, and LEAP Project as well as electricity distributor SP Energy Networks.
The advice drop-in is aimed at encouraging people over state pension age to check their eligibility for Pension Credit, a provision which tops up the income of the nation’s poorest pensioners.
With low uptake of Pension Credit being a massive issue in recent years, this awareness drive looks to encourage more pensioners to file a claim and get the vital support they need.
The Labour MP faced criticism last month and was accused of “putting party before pensioners” after being one of 348 Westminster parliamentarians who voted in favour of cutting the numbers of elderly people automatically entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment, and instead making it a means tested allowance.
Of his vote, he responded at the time: “Nobody wants to have to make these difficult decisions but the previous government left the public finances in such a mess that it has fallen to this new government to find £22 billion to fill an in-year spending gap created by their mismanagement We will not duck difficult decisions to get the public finances onto a stable footing and ensure money gets to those who are most in need.
“Winter Fuel Allowance is one of the most untargeted benefits and the government is committed to ensuring it continues to reach those on the lowest incomes and to increase the uptake of Pension Credit for those who are eligible but currently don’t receive it.
“This benefit is devolved in Scotland, so the vote this week only impacts England and Wales.”
He later admitted that the majority of constituents are “angry” that he voted in favour of the cut.
Shanks said: “With winter approaching I am receiving lots of casework from people looking at issues in their home and energy bills and seeking support. This event is to offer support to anyone who has questions or needs help with completing applications for benefits.
“In particular the underclaiming of Pension Credit has been an issue for a long time with many pensioners unnecessarily missing out on vital support and this event is a chance to raise awareness and increase uptake.
“I’ve also made sure that the relevant agencies will be in attendance to ensure that people get the correct support and advice they need.
“No issue is too big or too small, so if you are feeling unsure about your eligibility or have any other questions feel free to come along and seek support.”
*Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.