Increase in Winter Fuel Allowance

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Conference
2010 Retired Members' Conference
Date
22 June 2010
Decision
Carried

Conference regrets that the latest excess winter deaths statistics for England and Wales has risen by a 49% increase in the period December 2008 to March 2009 (National Pensioners Convention statistics). An estimated 36,700 older people died of cold related illness compared to 25,300 the previous winter, which is 11,400 more. Statistics are not available for the December 2009 to March 2010 but because of the very harsh winter conditions during that period, the figure will have risen considerably.

Therefore, Conference:

i. instructs the National Retired Members’ Committee and calls on the National Executive Council to campaign strongly urging the Government to raise the Winter Fuel Allowance to £600 immediately.

ii. instructs the National Retired Members’ Committee to communicate progress to all UNISON Retired members:

a. Through Interactive in spring, summer and autumn and

b. By monthly bulletins to Regional Committees to commence in January 2011.