Dame Caroline Dinenage, Member of Parliament for Gosport, has today raised the plight of a constituent who is losing the Winter Fuel Allowance at Prime Minister’s Questions.
Speaking directly to the Prime Minister, Caroline recounted in a packed House of Commons how “Susan” missed out on hundreds of pounds worth of benefits, including Winter Fuel Payment, due to being only £10 above the Pension Credit threshold.
“Susan” had previously written to Caroline in dismay at losing up to £300 of Winter Fuel Payment, despite only being ineligible by £10.
Labour confirmed in the Autumn Budget that Winter Fuel Payment, a £300 annual top-up to help those who most need the heating on during the cold months, would be means tested.
Caroline used her question to highlight the inequality in the system, where there is a clear and growing cliff-edge in the benefits those of pension age receive based on their income.
Speaking in the Chamber, Caroline asked:
“My constituent, Susan, is going to miss out on her winter fuel allowance this winter because she is just £10 above the pension credit threshold.
“So, as well as losing out on this vital money to keep her house warm, she also doesn’t get the £150 Warm Home Discount.
“She doesn’t get the £169 Free TV licence or free NHS prescriptions for the sake of a tenner, Prime Minister. Is this fair?”
Responding to her, the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, said:
“Mr Speaker, we passed a Budget which was to fix the foundations of this country. One of the issues we had to confront was the £22 billion black hole left by the last Government.
“We’ve taken the tough decisions that will stabilise our economy.
“That means we can commit to the triple lock and that means that pensioners will be better off seeing the increase in that pension they would have been under the Party opposite.”
Speaking afterwards, Caroline said:
“I am in no doubt that the Government cuts to Winter Fuel Payments are not a necessity, they are a cruel choice, a choice not even their Trade Union paymasters agree with.
“Government’s own data shows 13,000 people in the Gosport constituency alone will be impacted.
“These are not wealthy people, and removing this vital contribution towards winter heating costs is removing a lifeline.”
ENDS
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