MEMBERS of Scottish Borders Council have united to send a clear message to the UK Government over their anger at a decision to cut winter fuel payments for older people.

A motion calling for a U-turn on the move to means-test the benefit in England and Wales, which the Scottish Government says will see its funding slashed by up to £160 million, was backed in the council chamber.

The Scottish Government said last month it was left with “no choice” but to end universal payments following the cut.

At last Thursday’s full council meeting it was agreed that council leader Euan Jardine would write to both governments to highlight the “detrimental consequences these cuts will have on residents in the Scottish Borders”.

East Berwickshire independent councillor James Anderson, who brought the motion to council, said: “This is more than just a cut. It represents a direct threat to their ability to keep their homes warm during the harsh winter months.

“The current Labour government has implemented this cut and bear all the responsibility for the situation we are now confronted with. All roads lead to Westminster and the new Labour government who have betrayed everyone who has dared to live long enough to be inconvenient to the UK Treasury.”

The motion was seconded by Kelso councillor Tom Weatherston, of the Conservatives.

He added: “This has got full support across the chamber and this will affect people in the Borders.”

Last month Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “We have found a £22bn black hole in the economy and we’ve got to fix it.

“That means we’ve got to make tough choices.

“I don’t want to cut the winter fuel allowance. I don’t think anybody in the government wants to do that. But we’ve got to fix the foundations of our economy.”

Scottish social justice secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “This has been a very difficult decision and not one we want to, or expected to, be making.

“However, despite all efforts to review our financial position it is a necessary decision when faced with such a deep cut to the budget and in the most challenging financial circumstances since devolution.”