My vote on Winter Fuel Payments

I wanted to let my constituents know I will not be voting with the government on the Winter Fuel Payment today.

I am a proud Labour MP but ultimately, I am the Member of Parliament for Blackpool South, the place I was born and raised. I was elected by you and I promised I would never do anything to make my constituents poorer. Means-testing the Winter Fuel Payment, without considering those who fall just above the threshold, will do just that.

Pensioners in Blackpool South have recognised that the £22 billion black hole left by the last government will mean changes and they are happy to play their part. There are pensioners in receipt of the allowance who do not need it, as the government rightly points out. But I believe there should be a more nuanced decision by government on who should receive Winter Fuel Payments so that no pensioner will suffer hardship this winter – as I believe many in Blackpool would. I have also outlined to the government that many of my constituents, who are disabled or have illnesses, have higher fuel costs and their circumstances need to be factored in too.

Age UK estimates that 14,900 people in Blackpool South would lose the Winter Fuel Payment under the government’s proposed plans - 76% of people over 66. Around 2,700 of them are likely to be entitled to pension credits but identifying and encouraging them all to claim in a short timeframe would be difficult. Some are likely to slip through the cracks. It’s clear from the volume of letters I have received from constituents that of the remaining 12,000-plus, many do depend on the Winter Fuel Payment but would not be entitled to claim it.

With a Labour MP, working under a Labour government and alongside a Labour Council, we have an opportunity to make a real difference. It is important that I continue to work with colleagues to advocate for my constituency and give Blackpool this chance for change. As MP for Blackpool South my constituents will always come first.