Stone MP, Sir Gavin Williamson, has called on the Government to reverse their plans to cut Winter Fuel Payments for millions of pensioners.
Ahead of the vote yesterday, Sir Gavin joined the debate on the policy in the House of Commons, where he expressed his horror that millions of pensioners would be left to struggle through the winter.
The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, announced that she planned to change the eligibility criteria for the Winter Fuel Payment to pensioners who receive Pension Credit or certain other means-tested benefits – previously, this was paid to all pensioners, regardless of income.
Many have raised their concerns about the introduction of means testing the Winter Fuel Payment, which would take away vital funds for those who still rely upon it. It is thought that there are around 880,000 pensioners who are eligible for the payments but who aren’t currently signed up for pension credit. You can find more information on signing up for pension credit at – https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim
Speaking in the House of Commons, Sir Gavin said:
“In Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge, over 19,600 pensioners are going to lose their Winter Fuel Payments. So many of them are incredibly proud and do not want to be forced into applying for additional benefits.
So many will narrowly miss qualifying for eligibility and will be anxiously awaiting the colder weather. The decisions of this Government are condemning them to a cold and incredibly hard winter.”
If you’re a pensioner who is looking for help and support, then please contact Age UK – https://www.ageuk.org.uk/staffordshire/ they’re a great team and incredibly helpful and supportive.
4 comments
Colin beardmore
I do hope that Gavin is going to seek an explanation why the the PM is managing to pay 25% tax on his salary and the large amount of freebies such as the expensive clothes bought for his wife by a millionaire donor . Whats going on here , I would be suspicious if it was my wife being bought clothes by another bloke.
Also did he not say that the revenue to be saved would come from the ones with the broadest shoulders. Surely the poorest pensioners are far from these.
Colin beardmore
The removal of winter universal payment of winter fuel payment for those not on any benefits is what a business accountant would recommend to balance the books. It not what the leader of a country should do when the decision could mean life or death to many vulnerable people.
I can still recall my father the day before he died of bronchitis in an oxygen tent he was only 64.years old.
Winter in the uk with it damp climate is a serious threat to the elderly.
Yes the system for payment of the winter fuel allowance needs changing. but certainly not just before the winter threat and not before a proper review is carried out. There was no need for the action that some many people have criticised and called cruel beyond understanding.
The PM and the labour party have been condemned universally for this proven unnecessary precipitous cruel change . Is he fit to be a leader.
Michelle
I had to wait another 7 years for my pension which I have only just received this month so not only was I robbed of that but now I won’t get the winter fuel allowance either. I thought labour were for the working class, it looks like Sir Kier is a tory in disguise.
Mel
It really is disgraceful stopping winter fuel payments for pensioners. Kier and party should be absolutely ashamed of themselves.
Next it will be disability targeted next which is just as disgraceful.