I was absolutely appalled by Labour’s decision to cut Winter Fuel Payments (WFP) this winter. I voted against this plan twice in the House of Commons yesterday and will continue to support vulnerable pensioners in every way that I can through the winter months.
15,849 people in Maidstone and Malling will become ineligible for the WFP with the introduction of means-testing. For many of whom, this payment is absolutely crucial to help keep them warm at the coldest time of year.
33% of older people in Maidstone and Malling have a disability, and 43% have a long-term health condition. Cuts to WFP will have a disproportionately negative impact on these already very vulnerable people. Shamefully, the Government has not yet published an Equality Impact Assessment before going ahead with this policy.
If you are impacted by this, or have a family member or friend, please see the following link to see if you are eligible for pension credit - https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/eligibility
I have written to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to ask if she will publish the Government’s Equality Impact Assessment, and to find out what other measures the Government will bring forward to support pensioners through the cold this winter.
Please be assured that I will continue to stand against this heartless policy.