The Conservative Party is acting to thwart the Government’s efforts to stifle debate about Labour’s cuts to the Winter Fuel Payments.
Last month, the Labour Chancellor announced the removal of winter fuel payments for all pensioners, save those on pension credits or means-tested benefits. This means that pensioners who are just over the threshold for pension credits - or who are eligible but who have struggled to sign up or are not aware that they can - will not receive the payment to help with the costs of heating their homes.
This decision will be implemented through regulations. Labour laid the regulations on 22nd August in such a way that the government does not have to provide parliamentary time to debate the changes before the regulations become law.
This is despite the heavy criticism of Labour for announcing it would cut the Winter Fuel Payments for millions of pensioners. A survey this week found that 59% of people are against this cut.
The Conservative Party has submitted a procedural document called an “Early Day Motion” to ensure that this matter is debated before Parliament, allowing Members of Parliament to put forward the views of their constituents and to scrutinise the impact of this decision.
This comes after the shocking revelation that the Labour Government has taken this decision despite there not being “a full impact assessment….produced for this instrument as no, or no significant, impact on the private, public or voluntary sectors is foreseen."
The Conservative Party have submitted this motion:
“That a humble Address be presented to His Majesty, praying that the Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Regulations 2024 (S.I., 2024, No. 148), dated 22 August, a copy of which was laid before this House on 22 August, be annulled.”
I will be supporting this motion and the efforts to shine a light on Labour’s decision. This is a cruel decision made by a Labour government that has prioritised pleasing trade unions over helping hard-pressed pensioners in the dead of winter.
My inbox has been inundated with anxious emails, and many constituents have stopped to talk to me about their worries since Labour’s announcement. It is vital that the impacts of this dreadful policy on pensioners, their carers, social care providers and the NHS are set out. Labour should have the confidence to explain and defend their policy, rather than hiding behind parliamentary procedure.
I fear that some constituents will have to choose between heating and eating this winter as a result of Labour’s policy. They deserve better and I am working with Conservative colleagues to try to persuade Labour Ministers to change their minds.
In the meantime, if any constituents are worried, need advice or need help with pension credit forms, please contact me.