MEMBERS of Thurrock Council's Conservative group have responded to the Chancellor's recent decision to restrict winter fuel allowance by calling for a change of mind and for Thurrock MPs to vote against the plan.

Borough councillors have rallied behind a statement in which they say plans announced by the Labour Government will strip winter fuel payments from hundreds of thousands of pensioners.

And they add that, at the same time, people needing social care, could be forced to give up their homes and savings to pay the costs.

Corringham and Fobbing councillor Deborah Arnold, Thurrock Conservatives' social care spokesperson, said: "Despite stubbornly high energy bills and a cost-of-living crisis caused by the war in Ukraine, Labour has kicked older people in the teeth.

"The decision to remove Winter Fuel Allowance from thousands of pensioners was never in Labour's manifesto, nor was their plan to remove the social care cap.

"Despite claiming there is a shortfall in the public finances, Labour has just announced a nearly £10bn increase in public sector pay, which is largely uncosted. They have conjured up a blackhole so they can rob pensioners and spend the money elsewhere.

"This is a double assault on pensioners. Under plans announced by the last Conservative Government, no one would pay more than £86,000 should they need social care, meaning the bulk of many pensioners' estates could be left to their loved ones.

"Labour have swept away this protection meaning more people will need to pay their care bills in full and families may see their inheritances swallowed up.

 "The message is clear, those who have worked hard and saved hard will be punished when they become vulnerable. This is typical of Labour, hitting those who have done the right thing throughout their lives.

 "Labour's announcements will have real implications for many elderly and vulnerable people in Thurrock who will now be dreading a cold winter or fearing that they may need care in their old age".