Sir John Whittingdale, MP for Maldon, along with 57 other Conservative signatories (as seen below), has tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) calling for the annulment of Labour’s forthcoming policy to abolish the Winter Fuel Payment to our nation’s pensioners, due to come into law ahead of the coming winter.
Sir John wishes to reiterate what he has expressed to many of his constituents in private correspondence, that he is appalled that one of the of the first acts of this Government has been to scrap what is an essential allowance, even a lifeline, for millions of pensioners. Unless in receipt of pension credit or other means-tested benefits, this new Labour Government has announced that millions will no longer receive their annual Winter Fuel Payments. In practice, this represents losses of up to £300 for around 10 million pensioners. Sir John firmly believes that pensioners must be afforded dignity and respect in retirement, and is deeply concerned about the impact of the Government’s plans for the elderly.
This is in stark contrast to the last Conservative Government, who 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 payments afforded pensioners who have worked hard all their lives, paying into the system, their much-deserved security in retirement. Sir John is very concerned this Government seems to so readily disregard this. He wants his constituents to remain assured that he, along with his fellow signatories, will be sure to press the Government on this matter, knowing how it will impact many of their older constituents.
Pictured below is an order paper, displaying the names of all 58 signatories to the EDM
Lastly, Sir John will steadfastly continue to stand up for the Triple Lock, which is the best way to support all pensioners. He welcomes that, in April 2024, the Conservatives uprated the basic State Pension, new State Pension, and Pension Credit minimum guarantee in line with September 2023 average earnings growth- 8.5 per cent. Sir John hopes that the new Labour Government does not seek to reverse these measures as well.
