This week’s vote on Winter Fuel Payments was far from an easy decision, and not one I expected to have to take. But I promised in the election to always be open and transparent about my votes and I want to ensure I am doing just that.
On being elected, an audit of public spending revealed the previous government had left a £22bn black hole in the public finances this year. This is on top of the dire financial pressures we already knew we would be inheriting, with the independent IFS and OBR both confirming these pressures were only apparent post-election.
Faced with an even more dire financial inheritance than anyone could anticipate, tough choices have to be made to close the gap.
I’m glad that in the face of these tough choices, our commitment to protecting the triple lock on pensions remains absolute. This saw the state pension increase by £900 already this year, with an expected increase of £460 next year and £1700 over the course of the Parliament. The last Labour government lifted thousands of pensioners out of poverty, and I’ll be holding this one accountable to doing the same.
But in the face of these financial pressures and with so much need across society, maintaining Winter Fuel Payments for all pensioners regardless of income, including to millionaires and MPs, was hard to justify. In means testing the payments, Labour have protected the payments for those who need it most. All those on pension credit will still receive the payments in full, and a significant drive is underway to ensure those who can claim pension credit do. On top of this, Labour’s extension of the Household Support Fund means extra funding is available for councils, to support those they identify as in need but who may just fall the wrong side of the line.
If anyone has concerns about what this will mean for them and how to access pension credit, please do get in touch with my office. We are supporting people of all ages to ensure they access the support they are entitled to: alistair.strathern.mp@parliament.uk
In addition to this, while winter fuel bills will be significantly lower this winter compared to last, it’s important we take action to tackle the root causes of high bills for good. That’s why Labour has committed to insulating an extra 5 million homes across the U.K., and investing in the transition to cheaper, cleaner power – cutting bills for good over time.
I know not everyone will agree with my decision, and I look forward to continuing to debate and discuss it with you all over the coming weeks. One of the best parts of being our MP has been the chance for so many spirited and robust discussions and debates over the last year, and I will not be shying away from these in the weeks ahead.
Alistair Strathern MP
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