MP criticises axing of winter fuel allowance

HENLEY MP Freddie van Mierlo has criticised the cut to winter fuel allowance for pensioners by the Labour government.

The benefit was previously available to almost everyone in the UK born before September 25, 1957 to help cover heating costs.

But from this winter only those on pension credit or means-tested benefits will get the winter fuel payment.

Across the Henley constituency 20,219 people will lose the benefit. A motion to block the measure was defeated on Tuesday by 348 to 228 votes, a majority of 120.

Mr van Mierlo, a Liberal Democrat, had voted for the motion to block the government, as did Wargrave MP Clive Jones.

But Matt Rodda, the Labour MP for Caversham voted against the motion and supported the government.

Mr van Mierlo said: “We have the largest number of pensioners that would be set to lose out from the cut of the winter fuel payment. It is going to hurt pensioners who really need this money.

“We committed in our manifesto to double the winter fuel allowance and that was fully costed. The government should be looking at our manifesto to have a rethink and reconsider the impact of this.

“I heard from countless pensioners across Henley that they are worried about losing this vital support and how they will afford their energy bills this winter.

“Stripping support from many of the poorest pensioners in Henley just when energy bills are set to rise again is simply wrong. It could force vulnerable elderly people in our community to choose between eating and heating this winter.

“We recognise that the new government faces difficult choices after the appalling mess left by the Conservatives. But a rethink is urgently needed so that poorer and vulnerable pensioners in our community continue to get the support they so desperately need.”

Across the country, 11 million pensioners are set to lose their winter fuel payment and the average energy bill set to rise by £149 a year from October.

Energy regulator Ofgem said gas and electricity prices will rise by 10 per cent in England under the new energy price cap, with the typical annual dual-fuel bill paid by direct debit to be £1,717 per year.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer defended the decision, saying it was needed to repair what he claims is a £22bn “hole” in the public finances.

He said that the government to be honest that “things [would] get worse before they [got] better” when it came to public spending.

Mr Rodda did not respond to requests for comment.