Around 17,140 pensioners in Solihull West and Shirley will now lose up to £300 in Winter Fuel Payment after Labour MPs voted to scrap the scheme in the House of Commons on 10th September 2024.
In total, 347 Labour MPs voted to cut the payments, despite warnings that pensioners would be forced to choose between heating and eating this winter. After the vote, which came about after strong pressure from Conservatives.
Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst MP said:
In Solihull West and Shirley, 17,140 pensioners, some of whom are amongst society’s most vulnerable, will now lose £300.
The Government’s policy, as proposed, will plunge them into uncertainty and worry as winter approaches.
As with so much of Government policy at the present time, this policy has been pushed through at pace without any due consideration.
Before the debate and vote on 10th September I reached out to my constituents and asked for their views. I have subsequently received numerous responses, setting out the very real hardship this ill-conceived policy will cause.
One constituent told me:
"The Winter Fuel Allowance allows us peace of mind to enjoy a warm home when it's coldest outside. My husband has cancer and feels the cold so much more now, so it's allowed us to keep him warm and comfortable.”
Another highlighted the impact the Government’s decision will have on already stretched finances:
“My mother-in-Law did have Winter Fuel Allowance, and it went a long way to helping as we would need to help her if the bill got too much. Now, without it, many people like us will have to find more for our bills when finances are stretched as it is.”
Therefore, I voted against the Government’s ill-conceived plan, and I will continue to support vulnerable pensioners through the winter months as best as I can.
