North West Leicestershire has been dealt a double blow in the 2 months since our new MP was elected. First, the long-awaited Ivanhoe line was shelved, and now her Labour Government intends to deprive vulnerable pensioners of their Winter Fuel Payments this coming winter. This afternoon, cross-party opposition MPs voted to repeal the Labour Government’s decision to restrict Winter Fuel Payments for thousands of pensioners across North West Leicestershire.
Unfortunately, the Government’s majority far outweighed those who voted against the policy (including one Labour MP). Regrettably, our local MP Amanda Hack was not among those opposing the cuts. She voted in favour of scrapping the winter fuel allowance, affecting up to 18,763 of North West Leicestershire's most vulnerable residents. This includes an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 pensioners who sit just above the pension credit threshold, placing them in a precarious financial position. Twelve weeks ago, Amanda Hack and I stood on stage in front of a packed crowd at the Ashby Hustings, where we both pledged that, if elected, we would always prioritise the needs of our residents over party lines.
It’s now a forgon conclusion, the decision to remove Winter Fuel Payments from around 10 million pensioners across the UK will proceed as part of the autumn statement. This represents a triple blow for local pensioners, or as I prefer to call them, our mums, dads, grandmas, and grandads. Not only will many pensioners in the middle-income bracket lose the £300 Winter Fuel Payment, but the regulator has also announced a 10% increase in the energy price cap, something Labour previously promised would not happen under their leadership. Furthermore, those living alone are likely to lose the 25% single occupancy council tax allowance. This doesn’t just signal a miserable winter for many of our elderly; in some cases, it could tragically result in premature deaths, with Age UK estimating up to 4,000 fatalities.
I will continue to do everything within my power to oppose the Government’s decision and encourage all residents to check their eligibility for Pension Credit.
If you or a loved one may be entitled to Pension Credit, please apply here: www.gov.uk/pension-credit or by calling the freephone claim line on 0800 99 1234.
I can only speak for myself, but if the roles were reversed, I would be prepared to fight for my residents—even against my own party. When I said I’m #OneOfOurOwn, I truly meant it. For 50 years, Labour activists have called Margaret Thatcher ‘the milk snatcher’. I wonder if, in 50 years’ time, we will remember Starmer and Reeves as ‘the winter fuel thieves’?
