Danny raises Winter Fuel Payments in Parliament

Danny Chambers MP has urged the government to reconsider cuts to the Winter Fuel Allowance and urged more support for vulnerable pensioners facing energy bill increases this winter.

On Tuesday (3rd September) in Parliament, the Liberal Democrat MP highlighted the concerns raised by constituents in Winchester and called for a debate on how best to protect pensioners from the energy crisis.

It comes as figures from the House of Common Library suggest that 19,957 pensioners in Winchester are at risk of losing the £300 payment, which helps with heating bills in the cold winter months.

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.

Speaking in the House, Danny Chambers MP said:

“I have been inundated with questions from the people of Winchester about the cuts in the winter fuel allowance, and it seems as though people from all parts of the House are getting similar correspondence. Although I totally understand that there are many wealthy pensioners who do not rely on the winter fuel allowance to heat their homes, a large proportion of pensioners live on or near the poverty line and will be plunged into crisis this winter. Given the huge strength of feeling in all parts of the House, will the Chancellor reconsider her decision? If not, will she at least commit to a vote and a debate in the House about how we best protect our most vulnerable?”

Subsequent to Danny Chambers' question, amid pressure from a cross-party group of MPs, the Chancellor has confirmed that there will be a binding vote on the secondary legislation that would introduce the changes.

Reacting after the exchange, Danny Chambers MP said:

“Many pensioners in Winchester and across the country are living in real fear of what this winter will bring. The Government's sudden decision to cut the Winter Fuel Allowance is a devastating blow for those already struggling to make ends meet.

“I am pleased that there will now be a debate on this issue and urge the Government to reconsider its stance on the Winter Fuel Allowance for those on the lowest incomes.”