MPs have voted over Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ plan to stop Winter Fuel Payments for millions of pensioners.
Ms Reeves said the move was necessary, despite fears about the impact on millions of less well-off pensioners, as it would help to plug a £22 billion gap in public finances.
However the announcement has proved controversial and prompted fears that pensioners would face the stark choice between heating or eating – leading to more deaths this winter.
Unions have criticised the decision, including the UK’s largest trade union, Unite, which accused the Labour Party of deciding to “pick the pockets of pensioners” while leaving the rich “totally untouched”.
Ms Reeves and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said there would be a number of unpopular decisions the new government would have to make as a result of the previous Conservative government.
Speculation was mounting before the vote this afternoon that some Labour MPs would rebel against implementing the policy.
People born before September 1958 have been entitled to payments of between £200 and £300, depending on their circumstances.
However, the proposed changes would mean that only those entitled to Pension Credit would be eligible. It is estimated around one in three people entitled to the benefit do not claim it and people are warned they should start applying now, if eligible, as it can take a while for it to be processed and approved.
An average of 300 deaths occur in Cumbria each year due to the effects of cold weather. Cumbria Community Foundation launched its Winter Warmth Appeal in 2010. It said hundreds of older people in Cumbria are in danger of becoming ill or even dying because of the cold and its appeal has saved lives.
Its 2023 appeal had a £500,000 target to help vulnerable, elderly people in Cumbria keep warm through the coldest weather. It raised £562,433, enabling the foundation to make 1,555 household grants, benefiting a total of 1,941 vulnerable older people across the county.
Four of Cumbria’s five MPs belong to the Labour Party and were elected at the General Election on July 4 this year. Liberal Democrat Tim Farron was re-elected on July 4.
MPs debated the issue from 2pm for around an hour after the Conservatives tabled a motion to cancel the planned changes to the Winter Fuel Payment.
A number of Labour MPs have said they will abstain to show their concern over the policy, rather than vote against the Government. However, it is not clear who abstained as they will be recorded as not recording a vote – and this could be for any reason, like abstention or if they were unable to attend.
MPs rejected the Conservatives’ motion, with 348 backing the Government to 228 backing the motion. Only one Labour MP voted for the motion – Jon Trickett, who represents Normanton and Hemsworth.
How did your MP vote?
Barrow and Furness MP Michelle Scrogham
The Labour MP voted against the motion by the Conservatives.
Carlisle MP Julie Minns
The Labour MP voted against the motion by the Conservatives.
Penrith & Solway MP Markus Campbell-Savours
The Labour MP voted against the motion by the Conservatives.
Westmorland & Lonsdale MP Tim Farron
The Liberal Democrat MP voted in favour of the motion – against the Government’s plans to stop the Winter Fuel Payments.
After the vote, Mr Farron said: “There are many people who aren’t eligible for pension credit but for who the Winter Fuel Allowance has been a lifeline. Be in no doubt, there will many pensioners forced to choose between eating and heating this winter as a result of this move.
“I was proud to vote against these appalling plans and will keep fighting to stop them in any way that I can.”
Whitehaven & Workington MP Josh MacAlister
The Labour MP voted against the motion by the Conservatives.
After the vote, Mr MacAlister posted on social media: “Thank you to everyone who has contacted me to express your views about the Government’s decision to restrict the Winter Fuel Allowance to the poorest pensioners who need it most.
“I want you to know that I share your anger. This isn’t a decision I wanted to make. It’s not what I was elected to do. I was immensely proud to meet thousands of older people across West Cumbria during the campaign and honoured to receive the backing of so many of you in the election. I don’t take that for granted.
“Unfortunately, the total mess the Conservatives left the country’s finances in forced the Chancellor to make this and other very difficult decisions once the extent of the Tory black hole was revealed. There was a £22 billion gap between what the Tories had budgeted to spend this year and what the government was actually on track to spend.
“In short, they ran out of money two weeks before payday and just kept on spending, because they knew it would be someone else’s problem after the election. It’s disgraceful. And they should show some humility and apologise.
“I’m pushing for West Cumbria to be a pilot area for the Government’s Warm Homes Plan, which will insulate and upgrade millions of homes and slash energy bills. I’ve met with and written to the Minister about this.
“It’s easy for those not in a position of responsibility to oppose this, but we were elected to make difficult choices and fix the mess the Tories made.
“Ultimately, we have to fix the foundations and get the public finances back under control to stabilise and grow the economy so that we have the money we need to invest in the other things I know local pensioners care about – like fixing our broken NHS and investing in public transport.
“You may not be satisfied with my answer but I hope you understand the position we’ve been forced into and see that I am doing what I can to ensure those pensioners who really need this support are still able to get it.”
