“It’s there for a reason”: Oldham Liberal Democrats step up campaign on unclaimed pension credit     


“It’s there for a reason”: Oldham Liberal Democrats step up campaign on unclaimed pension credit     

The Liberal Democrats have joined a growing list of charities including Independent Age and Age UK in calling on the new government to hold back on planned cuts to winter fuel payments and instead launch a campaign helping pensioners access unclaimed benefits.

Councillor Sykes said, “Across the country, take up of pension credit is as low as 63%.  In Oldham, an eye-watering £8.5 million is going unclaimed.  Oldham Council has a role to play in helping to raise awareness around unclaimed benefits.”

“I urge all pensioners in Oldham Borough to look again at what they are entitled to.  It’s there for a reason.”

The Liberal Democrat Leader has written to Oldham Council bosses calling on the council to launch its own awareness campaign about unclaimed benefits. 

In his letter to Labour Leader Arooj Shah, councillor Sykes said, “The council has a duty to help residents understand their entitlements and access support.  I am writing to ask your administration to launch a campaign to improve awareness, access and uptake of unclaimed pension credit in Oldham ahead of what will be a difficult winter for many of our elderly residents, made worse by the government decision to heavily limit winter fuel support.”    

Analysis of the chancellors winter fuel payment policy by Matin Lewis of Money Saving Expert
Martin Lewis: Winter Fuel Payment targeting ‘too narrow’ (moneysavingexpert.com)

Councillor Arooj Shah
Leader of the Council

Dear Councillor Shah,

I write with concern following the Chancellors decision to remove winter fuel support from an estimated 10 million pensioners nation-wide, choosing only to support those pensioners who are already in receipt of benefits.  In Oldham, a staggering 85% of pensioners stand to lose out as a result of this choice.  

Across the country, only 63% of those entitled receive pension credit.  According to Policy in Practice, as much as £8.5 million per year goes unclaimed. 

You will note that many charities including Age UK and Independent Age have criticised the Chancellor’s decision and called on her to pause until a meaningful national effort is made to increase the take up of pension credit.  Respected public figures like Martin Lewis of Money Saving Expert have also stated that support under the Chancellor’s new policy will be too narrow; and too many people will miss out.  

Oldham Council has a duty to help residents understand their entitlements and access support.  I am writing to ask your administration to launch a campaign to improve awareness, access and uptake of unclaimed pension credit in Oldham ahead of what will be a difficult winter for many of our elderly residents, made worse by the government decision to heavily limit winter fuel support.

I look forward to your considered response.

Best wishes.

Councillor Howard Sykes MBE 

“Let’s keep our area Beautiful: Shaw and Crompton Liberal Democrats seek questions and answers regarding the barrier planters.”

“Let’s keep our area Beautiful: Shaw and Crompton Liberal Democrats seek questions and answers regarding the barrier planters.”. 

Shaw and Crompton Liberal Democrats seek questions and answers regarding the barrier planters.

For a number of years Shaw and Crompton Liberal Democrats Borough Councillors have funded the barrier planters both by the memorial and along Crompton by-pass. However, this has been left unplanted between the recent winter and summer season and for well over near two months they have been left empty with litter and weeds growing out of them as if a metaphor of the Labour/Independent controlled council who have ran our services down and cut our environmental services to the bone.

The money hasn’t dried up but the issue seems to have been in the stock of plants that were purchased over a year ago that have seemingly vanished and despite our repeated questions to the Director of Environment and the former Head Environmental Services and Parks.

We are still very much keen to continue our funding contribution out of our ward budgets towards keeping our area looking clean, green and beautiful as we all love where we live.

Shaw and Crompton Liberal Democrat councillors have always championed this and will continue to do so.

Oldham financial blackhole branded a “horror show” by Liberal Democrats

Oldham financial blackhole branded a “horror show” by Liberal Democrats.

Oldham Liberal Democrat Leader councillor Howard Sykes MBE has described Oldham Council’s financial position as a “horror show” following reports of a predicted £25 million overspend facing the current Labour administration.  The total budget gap is predicted to be in the region of £36 million. 

Oldham Council is now asking staff to consider voluntary redundancy. 

Councillor Sykes said, “The situation in Oldham is a complete horror show.  To be in the position where our staff are being asked to consider voluntary redundancy should be a source of deep shame for this administration.  This piecemeal approach will have a massive impact on services the public regard as important.  Weeds, parks and green spaces are just three examples of things that have deteriorated recently and will only get worse.”

Oldham Council’s budget reserves have plummeted from roughly £110 million in 2020 to an estimated £41 million by 2025.  A reduction of 62% in just four financial years.    

Councillor Sykes said, “Failure to achieve in-year savings just makes the situation worse.  The Liberal Democrats have continually warned against the current direction of travel and the over reliance on reserves.”

Commenting on efforts to lobby the new Labour government for support for councils, Sykes criticised Oldham Labour for refusing to stand up to their colleagues in government.  “We’ve had years of Oldham Labour politicians demanding action from government, but now it’s the red team in Downing Street, they’ve changed their tune.  The report for Cabinet next Monday 19 August clearly rules out action by the government.  This is Labour covering for their friends in government and it is not something we should accept.”

Councillor Sykes said, “More councils have declared effective bankruptcy in the years since the pandemic than in the 20 years before it.  So, we’re at the end of the road when it comes to local government finance and we need a complete reset.  Fair funding means reversing the trend where governments cut more and more funding from councils and pass the burden onto residents through council tax.” 

“We need a fair deal that reflects the responsibilities councils have and gives the funding for the job to be done.  It’s Labour in government now and there is no ducking this.  They need to get on with it.”      

Earmarked Reserve balances 2020-2024 (from the council’s statement of accounts 2023/24)

Section 114 notices since 2000 (Which.co.uk)



85% of pensioners in Oldham Borough to lose out under Labour winter fuel cut 

85% of pensioners in Oldham Borough to lose out under Labour winter fuel cut 

A staggering 85% of pensioners in Oldham are set to lose out after changes to winter fuel payments were announced by new Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves last week. 

The Chancellor announced that less pensioners would be eligible for winter fuel payments going forward. An estimated 10 million pensioners are set to lose out nationally with 85% of pensioners in Oldham who previously received payments also set to be struck off according to Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) data analysed by the Liberal Democrats.

Leader of Oldham Liberal Democrats councillor Howard Sykes MBE said, “The new Labour government are setting new thresholds for winter fuel support and this is coming while the cost-of-living crisis is still biting for many people across Oldham.” 

“This is a move which will push many elderly people into poverty completely unnecessarily, especially if the energy price cap increases by 10% in October as expected.”

A breakdown of unclaimed benefits in Oldham compiled by Policy in Practice

Analysis of the chancellors winter fuel payment policy by Matin Lewis of Money Saving Expert
Martin Lewis: Winter Fuel Payment targeting ‘too narrow’ (moneysavingexpert.com)

Sykes slams Shaw tennis court shambles as Dunwood Park users left with no nets through Wimbledon fortnight and into August    

Sykes slams Shaw tennis court shambles as Dunwood Park users left with no nets through Wimbledon fortnight and into August    

Oldham Liberal Democrat Leader and Shaw representative Howard Sykes MBE has slammed Oldham Council after tennis court “shambles” at Dunwood Park in Shaw. 

The parks’ tennis courts were earmarked for a revamp costing thousands of pounds this summer.  But potential users have been left exasperated as the courts were left unusable throughout the summer with no nets and still are.

Councillor Sykes said, “The work on the courts was supposed to be finished in time for the summer months when the park is busiest.  But here we are in August with no nets on the courts and other works not completed.  During the Wimbledon fortnight more people go out for a game of tennis.  But our local courts have been out of action.  I have heard that as much as £19,000 was earmarked for the courts to be done up.  But it’s been a shambles from start to finish.  When can we expect the nets to come back and people be able to use the courts?”

The Liberal Democrat Leader’s criticism comes after the council confirmed the work was completed despite the nets not being in place and reports from local residents that the courts had simply been jet washed and left vacant. 

Councillor Sykes said, “How is this supposed to be thousands of pounds worth of work?”

“Is Oldham Council inspecting the work that our contractors carry out or are we just taking their word for it?  It is quite an embarrassing position to be in when you have the council telling residents the work is finished when anyone who has set foot in Dunwood Park can clearly see this is not the case.”

“This should be a good news story and from start to finish (whenever that might be), it has been poorly communicated and poorly delivered.  Local residents have been let down, another failure to get the basics correct – it is a great shame.”

Councillor Sykes overlooking the tennis courts at Dunwood Park 8 August

Copy of email 7 August from Council

Dear Councillor Sykes,

As requested, please find below an update on the refurbishment and the new booking system for our tennis courts.

Subject: Refurbishment and New Booking System for Tennis Courts

We are pleased to announce the completion of major refurbishments of our tennis courts, thanks to the generous funding from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA). The refurbished courts are located at:

  • Alexandra Park
  • Chadderton Hall Park
  • Dunwood Park
  • High Crompton Park
  • Lower Memorial Park
  • Werneth Park

This refurbishment is part of a nationwide initiative carried out by LTA-approved contractors. Despite facing delays due to weather conditions and other unforeseen challenges, the work has been successfully completed, with just some line marking to complete at Dunwood Park in the next couple of weeks.

We are now collaborating with Cabinet members to finalise the process for implementing a new booking system, which we aim to launch by September/October this year.

New Booking System

To ensure the ongoing maintenance of these improvements and support tennis coaching programs, we will be introducing a chargeable booking system. However, there will be designated periods and systems in place to ensure free access for those who will benefit the most.

All funds raised through this booking system will be reinvested into the maintenance of the courts and further development of tennis coaching initiatives. These initiatives will support school tennis programs, the introduction of a disability program, and other LTA schemes such as Local Tennis Leagues, Free Tennis, and Cardio Tennis.

We appreciate the community’s patience and support during this refurbishment period and look forward to seeing everyone enjoy the improved facilities.

Following on from our last conversation, there will be no charges at Dunwood and High Crompton parks. This is a joint scheme with our Environmental Services and colleagues in the Sport, Leisure, and Wellbeing Service.

Many thanks,

Pension Credit – make sure you claim

Pension Credit – make sure you claim.

Nearly 1.4 million elderly individuals across Great Britain, including over 126,800 residing in Scotland, are currently benefiting from the means-tested benefit that could offer an average of £3,900 in support for the upcoming year. Despite this, recent data from the DWP indicates that there are still 880,000 eligible pensioners who are not claiming the benefit they are entitled to.

There’s a common misconception among some elderly people that having savings or owning their home makes them ineligible for the means-tested benefit. This benefit can also provide assistance with housing costs, heating bills and Council Tax.

Even an award as small as £1 per week can unlock additional support.

Pension Credit supplements weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level of £218.15 a week for single pensioners or £332.95 for couples. It is a tax-free payment.

The quickest way to check eligibility for Pension Credit

Elderly individuals, or their friends and family, can swiftly check their eligibility and get an estimate of what they may receive by using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK.

Alternatively, pensioners can reach out to the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234 – lines are open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Expert help and advice is also available from:

Below is a summary of the benefit including who should check eligibility, how to go about it and how much you could potentially receive.

Pension Credit breakdown

Pension Credit is a benefit that provides additional funds to help with living expenses for those over the State Pension age and on a low income. It also opens up access to a variety of other benefits.

The benefit boosts income to a minimum of £218.15 per week for single pensioners and £332.95 for couples – more if an individual has a disability or caring responsibilities.

Additional assistance if you receive Pension Credit

If you qualify for Pension Credit you can also get other help, such as:

  • Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in
  • Support for Mortgage Interest if you own the property you live in
  • Council Tax discount
  • Free TV licence if you are aged 75 or over
  • Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments
  • Help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme and Winter Fuel Payment
  • A discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you are moving house

Mixed-aged older couples and Pension Credit

In May 2019, legislation was altered so that a ‘mixed age couple’ – a pair where one partner is of State Pension age and the other is not – are deemed to be a ‘working age’ couple when assessing entitlement to means-tested benefits.

This implies they cannot claim Pension Credit or pension age Housing Benefit until both partners reach State Pension age. Prior to this DWP alteration, a mixed-age couple could have been eligible to claim the more generous State Pension age benefits when just one of them reached State Pension age.

How to use the Pension Credit calculator

To use the calculator on GOV.UK, you will need details of:

  • earnings, benefits and pensions
  • savings and investments

You’ll need the same details for your partner if you have one. You will be presented with a series of questions with multiple-choice answer options.

This includes:

  • Your date of birth
  • Your residential status
  • Where in the UK you live
  • Whether you are registered blind
  • Which benefits you currently receive
  • How much you receive each week for any benefits you get
  • Whether someone is paid Carer’s Allowance to look after you
  • How much you get each week from pensions – State Pension, private and work pensions
  • Any employment earnings
  • Any savings, investments or bonds you have

After answering the required questions, a summary screen will display your responses, giving you the opportunity to review and amend any answers before final submission. The Pension Credit calculator will then reveal the potential weekly benefit you could be entitled to.

Following this, simply click on the link that directs you to the application page to discover exactly what you could receive from the DWP, including access to other financial support.

For convenience, there’s an option to print off your responses from the calculator tool. This can assist in speeding up the application process as you won’t need to recall the same details again.

The Pension Credit calculator cannot be used if you or your partner:

  • are deferring your State Pension.
  • own more than one property.
  • are self-employed.
  • have housing costs (such as service charges or Crown Tenant rent) which are neither mortgage repayments nor rent covered by Housing Benefit.

How to make a claim

To make a claim, you can start your application up to four months before you reach State Pension age. Claims can be made any time after reaching State Pension age but can only be backdated for three months.

This means you could receive up to three months of Pension Credit in your first payment if you were eligible during that period.

You will need your National Insurance number to proceed with the application.

Details about your income, savings and investments, as well as your bank account details if you’re applying by phone or post, are required. If you’re backdating your claim, you’ll need to provide information about your income, savings and investments on the date you want your claim to start.

You can apply online if you have already claimed your State Pension and there are no children or young people included in your claim. To verify your entitlement, ring the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234 or utilise the GOV.

To check your entitlement, phone the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234 or use the GOV.UK Pension Credit calculator here to find out how much you could get.