A new fund to support Darlington pensioners hit by winter fuel payment cuts is set to be launched by the council and the town’s MP. 

Labour’s Lola McEvoy has developed a plan, in partnership with Darlington Borough Council, to provide extra support to residents who will miss out on the key payment and may be at risk of fuel poverty. 

The scheme has been enabled by extra funding provided by the Labour Government through the Household Support Fund, to support people with the cost of living. 

The winter fuel payment was previously available to all pensioners and worth up to £300 - but Labour cuts mean it will now only be available to those who receive pension credit.

Up to 18,751 Darlington residents are expected to be affected by the decision, announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves last month. 

At a recent Darlington Council meeting, councillors were told worried pensioners have been reduced to tears in fear of the cuts. 

A Conservative plea urging the local authority to oppose the removal of the winter fuel allowance failed to receive the support of the ruling Labour Party. A Labour amendment asking pensioners to sign up for pension credit was instead approved. 

People eligible for the new funding have been urged to sign up for the new scheme.

Lola McEvoy, MP for Darlington, said: "While it's right that those who don't need the winter fuel payment shouldn't get it, I, like everyone, have been concerned about those who just miss the threshold for pension credits and may need help paying the bills.

"I'm pleased to have worked with Darlington Borough Councillor Amanda Riley to create a plan ensuring that those who need additional support, including pensioners missing out on winter fuel payments, will qualify for Government-funded support.

"Thank you to everyone who has contacted me so far. I have spoken personally to several constituents about this and am keen to support as many people as I can. If you do contact me and need help, please include your full name and a contact phone number so l can get in touch.

"The Tories left us with an enormous mess to deal with, but I will do everything in my power to ensure people in Darlington who need support with the cost of living will get it."

Further details on the scheme will be revealed in due course. 

Councillor Amanda Riley, cabinet member for Stronger Communities, said: "Soaring energy bills and fuel poverty are unfortunately a grim inheritance of the previous Conservative Government.

"Not to mention 14 years of cuts to our local services which have often provided a much-needed safety net to those in need.

"That the Household Support Fund has been made available for an extra six months by the Labour Government will allow us to help residents. It has also been great to work closely with our new Labour MP to support people across Darlington."