Danny backs move in Parliament to protect Winter Fuel Payments

Liberal Democrat MP Danny Chambers has backed a motion in Parliament to block government’s plans to cut Winter Fuel Payments for local pensioners.

It comes as new analysis shows an estimated 19,957 pensioners in Winchester are at risk of losing the £300 payment, which helps with heating bills in the cold winter months. The figures were compiled by the House of Commons Library, based on data from the Department of Work and Pensions.

If passed, the Liberal Democrat motion would protect local pensioners by blocking the government’s changes and restoring their winter fuel payments. It is set to be proposed as soon as Parliament returns next week and has been backed by all 72 Liberal Democrat MPs.

Across the country, 11 million pensioners are set to lose their winter fuel payment under the government’s plan. The charity Age UK has said around two million will struggle to afford their energy bills as a result. This is despite the average energy bill being set to rise by £149 a year from October.

Danny Chambers is urging the government to think again, and protect poorer and more vulnerable pensioners from being forced to choose between eating and heating this winter.

Liberal Democrat MP for Winchester, Danny Chambers said:

“I’ve heard from many pensioners across Winchester and the Meon Valley who are desperately worried about losing this vital support and how they will afford their energy bills this winter. 

“The government’s approach will create a cliff edge. Pensioners who don’t qualify because their income is just a few pounds over the threshold will lose the whole £300 payment. 

“Stripping support from many of the poorest pensioners in Winchester just when energy bills are set to rise again is simply wrong. It could force vulnerable elderly people in our community to choose between eating and heating this winter.

 “That is why I and my fellow Liberal Democrat MPs will do everything we can to block these plans as soon as Parliament returns.

 “The appalling legacy of the Conservatives has led to the new government having to face difficult choices. But a rethink is urgently needed so that poorer and vulnerable pensioners in our community continue to get the support they so critically need.”