Thank you for contacting me about the Winter Fuel Payment and the government’s recent announcement.
One of the first acts of this Government has been to scrap the Winter Fuel Payment for millions of pensioners. Unless in receipt of Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits, the Government has announced that millions will no longer receive annual Winter Fuel Payments, representing losses of up to £300 for around 10 million pensioners. I firmly believe that pensioners must be afforded dignity and respect in retirement, and I am deeply concerned about the Government’s plans for pensioners.
The last Government successfully delivered around 11.9 million Winter Fuel Payments and Pensioner Cost of Living Payments to older people across the UK in December 2023. These afforded pensioners security in retirement, something I am concerned this Government is not supporting.
I was deeply concerned by the Government's decision to press ahead with this cut at the 2024 Autumn Budget. The policy, leaving almost 10 million pensioners out in the cold, delivered a huge impact on pensioners already in poverty. Many will face the dreadful choice between heating and eating caused by this Government.
Following the government’s decision to remove the Winter Fuel Payment, I launched my Protect our Pensioners campaign. On 19th October, I held a well-attended protest in Withernsea to bring more focus and attention to this pressing issue.
In November, together with Sir David Davis MP and Charlie Dewhirst MP, I presented a petition against the Winter Fuel Payment of over 1,000 residents of the East Riding to No. 11 Downing Street.
While I cautiously welcome the government’s proposed U-turn on this deeply flawed policy, which came following immense pressure from myself and other MPs, I will be continuing to monitor developments carefully and will be doing my utmost to protect the interest of vulnerable pensioners here in Beverley and Holderness.
Please be assured that I will continue to press the Government to protect people in retirement.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
