Feeling the cold isn’t just a matter of being a bit chilly; for older people it can be the difference between staying well and ending up in hospital.
I’m really worried for pensioners this winter because Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves seem to have it in for them.
That’s why I voted against the new Government’s plan to scrap Winter Fuel Payments for 10 million pensioners.
At first, the Government didn’t want a debate or vote on it. But I added my signature to a motion putting pressure on them, and they finally agreed to it.
Despite our efforts, and despite more than 50 Labour MPs skipping the vote, the Government’s large majority means the cut will go ahead. And this is even though there was no mention of the policy in their Manifesto. Now, over 18,000 pensioners in Faversham and Mid Kent will lose out on receiving £100-£300 for their energy bills this winter.
Some say pensioners are well off and don’t need this help, but that’s simply not true. I have been inundated with emails from constituents worried sick. Many are struggling to make ends meet and may be paying bills for care – for instance if they have dementia. Labour will be forcing them to make choices like how many hours to turn their heating on for, or whether to spend money on food or fuel.
Last winter when the Conservatives were in Government pensioners received nearly 12 million Winter Fuel and Pensioner Cost of Living Payments. That’s because we recognised how hard it can be for pensioners on fixed incomes to make ends meet. Now, instead of helping pensioners on limited incomes, Labour has given inflation-busting pay rises to highly paid public sector workers like train drivers on £65,000 plus. This isn’t right.
I’m advising people who contact me about it to double check to see if they are entitled to Pension Credits, and to sign up for them if they are. You can do this here: https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/eligibility
It’s going to be a tough winter because of this Government but I will continue standing up for pensioners and all of my constituents in Faversham and Mid Kent.
