I have had a number of constituents contact me about the Chancellor’s recent decision to remove Winter Fuel Payments from older people.
I am appalled that one of tne 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 will be sure to press the Government on this matter as I know how it will impact many of my constituents.
Further to this, I will continue to stand up for the Triple Lock, the best way to support all pensioners. I welcome that, in April 2024, the previous Government 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.
Please be assured that I will continue to press the Government to protect people in retirement.
