Claire Young MP backs motion to protect pensioners from Winter Fuel Payment cut

Liberal Democrat MP for Thornbury & Yate, Claire Young has added her name to a motion in Parliament that seeks to block the government’s plan to cut Winter Fuel Payments for most pensioners.  

It comes as new analysis shows an estimated 20,324 pensioners across Thornbury & Yate are at risk of losing the £300 payment, which helps them cope with higher heating bills in the cold winter months. 

The analysis, compiled by the House of Commons Library based on data from the Department of Work and Pensions, shows that a staggeringly high number of local pensioners don't receive pension credit and so are at risk of losing the winter fuel allowance. 

If passed, the Liberal Democrat motion would block the government’s changes outright and restore the winter fuel payment in full. It is set to be tabled as soon as Parliament returns next week and has been backed by all 72 Liberal Democrat MPs. 

11 million pensioners look set to lose their winter fuel payment under the government’s plans, including two million who the charity Age UK say will struggle to afford their energy bills as a result. This is on top of the average energy bill being set to rise by £149 a year from October. 

Claire Young MP is urging the government to call a halt to these plans and think again in order to ensure the most vulnerable pensioners, who’ve contributed to society all their lives, are not forced to choose between eating and heating this winter. 

Thornbury & Yate MP Claire Young said: 

“Since the Labour government announced these plans, I have had hundreds of very worried pensioners get in touch who are really scared of losing this vital support and wondering how they will afford their energy bills this winter as a result. 

“Stripping support from many of the poorest pensioners just when energy bills are set to rise yet again is simply wrong. It could force vulnerable elderly people, who have spent their whole lives contributing to our society, to choose between eating and heating this winter. 

“That is why I and other Liberal Democrat MPs are committed to doing everything we can to stop this damaging cut from going ahead. We are planning to try and block these plans as soon as Parliament returns. 

“I recognise that the new government faces difficult choices after the appalling mess left by the Conservatives, but a rethink is urgently needed to protect vulnerable pensioners in our community continue and ensure they get the support they desperately need.”