The Labour Government announced in July 2024 that, from this year onwards, to be eligible for the Winter Fuel Allowance, residents must have reached State Pension age and receive a qualifying means-tested benefit.
Following this policy announcement, it was estimated that 10 million pensioners across the country could be adversely affected and lose their £300.00 for fuel bills. In Solihull West and Shirley alone, 17,140 pensioners risk losing their Winter Fuel Payment as a result of this ill thought through policy.
Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst has joined a network of campaigns in opposition to the Labour Government’s decision. These include:
- Joining a campaign organised by the Daily Express, which saw a cross party group of MPs come together to request the Chancellor reverse her decision;
- Signing an Early Day Motion (EDM) , put forward by Rishi Sunak MP, Jeremy Hunt MP, Mel Stride MP, and Claire Coutinho MP. The EDM called for Parliament to debate the Winter Fuel Payments cuts, in order that Members of Parliament could represent their constituents in an appropriate manner on this important policy decision;
- Launching his own constituency survey in September 2024, asking residents of Solihull West and Shirley for their views on the cuts so that he can take the feedback directly to Parliament; and
- Organising an action day in the constituency, delivering leaflets, and hosting a street stall and petition on Shirley High Street.
In addition to these campaigns, Neil has consistently voted against the Labour Government’s decision in Parliament.