A LETTER to the Chancellor of the Exchequer from Dudley Council on winter fuel payments has sparked a political spat.

The October meeting of the full council approved a motion to contact Chancellor Rachel Reeves opposing the government’s withdrawal of winter fuel payments to pensioners not receiving pension credit or other benefits.

The letter, which demands pensioners living in council tax band A-D properties be made eligible for the payment, has been signed by Dudley’s Conservative and Lib Dem leaders but not Labour’s leader, Cllr Pete Lowe.

Dudley’s Conservative leader, Cllr Patrick Harley, said: “Full council passed this motion and requested all three group leaders sign this to show a unified approach to this reduction in support for Dudley pensioners.

“It is disgraceful that only two leaders are prepared to do so and sign. 

“Labour in Dudley are failing to speak up for local pensioners and are showing political cowardice by blindly following the party line. 

“Ensuring pensioners can stay warm this winter is for some a life changing decision. All group leaders should have signed and it’s a pity Labour in Dudley cannot do the decent thing and support pensioners across the borough.”

Labour abstained when the council voted on the Tory motion to write the letter, and Cllr Lowe said his group would continue to work with pensioners to ensure they get the entitled payments.

He added: “‘Cllr Harley knows only too well the approach by Dudley Labour to get to a position where the letter could be agreed by all.

“However, as is typical, the present council leadership decided to prioritise party politics over the interest of pensioners in our community

“Several local surgeries have already been arranged by our MPs and councillors and provided much-needed and appreciated assistance and support.

“Rather than empty words, Dudley Labour is committed to action, not just around winter fuel payments, but also in identifying the devastating impact this Tory administration has had on our finances, leading us to the perilous situation of bankruptcy that will impact every member of our community, including pensioners.”

Lib Dem leader Cllr Ryan Priest, who heads the Unity Group on the authority, said: “I will sign the letter and am happy to do so. This was a good motion about issues pensioners are facing.

“The fact it was a Conservative motion doesn’t bother me, Dudley Labour will only vote for things signed in red ink.

“Dudley Labour should pick a side; by abstaining, they have gone with the worst of both worlds.”