A Sandbach councillor diverted her monthly drop-in surgery to one especially for pension credit advice following the Government's decision this week on Winter Fuel payments. 

And she organised another help session today (Sunday) at Oakdene Court to help more pensioners meet tomorrow's deadline for claiming pension credit.

MPs voted on Tuesday (September 10th) to cut the pensioner allowance for Winter Fuel payments, meaning only those on pension credit or certain other means-tested benefits will now receive it. 

The deadline to apply for pension credits to meet this year's deadline is Monday (September 16th) and Cllr Cook wants as many people as possible to ensure they sign up before it's too late to qualify for the help this winter.  

Cllr Cook is fighting for as many pensioners as possible to qualify for the payments. (Photo: Nicola Cook)

Councillor Nicola Cook, who represents the Elworth ward on Cheshire East, held the 'pension credit' drop-in on Saturday (September 14th) at the community centre, St Peter's Church in School Lane, Elworth. 

Cllr Cook said: "It's diabolical that this has happened and could see so many pensioners struggling this winter to pay their fuel bills. 

The drop-in session takes place at the community centre, St Peter's Church in School Lane, Elworth. (Photo: Nub News)

"There are so many pensioners who probably don't know how to apply for pension credit yet may be eligible. My advice is to come along and check whether you're eligible. There's nothing lost and help is to fill in the documentation." 

The drop-in was open from 10 am and 12 noon and staff from the Department of Work and Pensions will be there. 

The decision, which we revealed here will hit around 10 million pensioners. A Conservative motion against this was defeated by 348 votes to 228. Congleton MP, Sarah Russell (Labour), whose constituency includes Sandbach, was one of those who voted in favour. 

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