Joe Robertson MP has voted against Labour’s plan to cut winter fuel payments for 18,490 pensioners in East Wight after the Conservatives forced Labour to accept a vote in Parliament.
Around 18,490 pensioners within the constituency will now lose up to £300 in Winter Fuel Payments after Labour MPs voted to scrap the scheme in the House of Commons. In total, 347 Labour MPs, voted to cut payments, despite warnings that pensioners would be forced to choose between heating and eating this winter. A number abstained.
Following strong pressure from Conservative MPs, including Joe Robertson, who also signed an Early Day Motion tabled by Leader of the Opposition, Labour was forced to accept a vote on the Winter Fuel Payments, worth £200-£300 for pensioners to help with their heating bills. The Government will now only pay out to those on Pension Credit meaning some people with incomes as low as £13,000 will miss out.
Joe Robertson spoke in the debate to remind Government that many pensioners are living with dementia and long-term frailty and are in a particular need of a warm home this winter. They will miss out with no provision being made.
Joe went on to say afterwards, “We have been inundated with emails by residents of East Wight who have voiced their concerns for the Winter Fuel Payments cuts. As I expressed in my Daily Express Article it is a cruel blow to some of the most vulnerable people in our society and I have voted against the Government’s plans to means test for Winter Fuel Allowance.”
He added,
“It is completely unacceptable that Labour are giving an inflation busting pay rise to train drivers on above average salaries, while cutting payments to pensioners on low oncomes. There is clearly disagreement among Labour MPs and I would strongly urge them reverse their decision.”
Between 2010 and 2023, the Conservatives had lifted over 200,000 pensioners out of absolute poverty and protected the Winter Fuel payment through its 14 years in office. The Conservatives protected the Triple Lock and increased the State Pension by the largest amount ever last year and this year was increased by the second largest amount ever – providing millions of pensioners an extra £900.
The Conservatives called for a vote in Parliament over the summer by tabling a motion to annul the Social Winter Fuel Payment Regulations in 2024.
347 Labour MPs voted to scrap the Winter Fuel Payment for 10 million pensioners.
Joe Robertson also wrote in Daily Express Article at the end of August against Labours Plans to scrap Winter Fuel Payments.
Joe Robertson speaks out against Labours Plans to scrap Winter Fuel Payments. See here and here.
