Winter Fuel Payments – ‘The Government Must Rethink This’ Says Guildford MP

Published on: 11 Sep, 2024
Updated on: 12 Sep, 2024

By Martin Giles

A Conservative motion to overturn the Government’s proposal to scrap the universal Winter Fuel Allowance to pensioners was heavily defeated in Parliament yesterday (September 10).

One of those who supported the Conservative motion, along with other Lib Dems, was Guildford MP Zöe Franklin.

Zöe Franklin MP

She said this morning: “Too many pensioners in Guildford and our villages are facing another winter of a cost of living crisis. This will make it worse.

“I understand that the Government has very difficult decisions to make after the appalling mess left by the Conservatives. But it has got this badly wrong.

“I am not opposed to means testing in principle, however this is a clumsy, badly thought-out plan which leaves far too many people behind.

“I stand firm on my election campaign pledge to fight for a fair deal. The Government must rethink this.

“Meanwhile, many who are eligible for pension credit don’t claim it. You can find out if you are eligible here: https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/eligibility.”

The House of Commons yesterday during the Parliamentary debate on Winter Fuel Payments.

All of Surrey’s 12 MPs voted in favour of the Conservative motion but with their large 167 working majority in Parliament, the Labour Government easily defeated the opposition by 120 votes. However more than 50 Labour MPs stayed away from the debate, around 20 of whom had previously opposed the policy publicly, according to the BBC.

Asked if Guildford Labour supported the Government’s decision on cutting Winter Fuel Payments, and asked what they say to those who believe the method of means testing is far too crude and many less well off pensioners will suffer, a spokesperson for Guildford Labour, said: “Means testing the Winter Fuel Payment is a consequence of the Liz Truss disaster budget and increased borrowing costs that the current government has inherited from the Conservatives after the last election.

“This slate of reforms, which includes greatly expanded benefits and state pensions by next year, is required because of the Tories scrounged for tax rather than focusing on responsible financial management.

“The decision to means test the winter fuel allowance was not taken easily by the government – however, Labour has decided to keep a promise to Britain’s voters and not u-turn on keeping income and consumption taxes at their current level.

“These measures ensure that public funds that used to be channelled to those who don’t need additional support can now go to beneficiaries who need it most. Additionally, the expansion of the Pension Credit scheme, and programmes targeted to those who may border on eligibility, should ensure that all deserving beneficiaries receive the support that they deserve.

“This policy shows that Labour has the foresight to govern for economic recovery, with means testing as the best method to ensure that taxpayer’s money goes to where it is needed most.”

For Guildford Conservatives their chair, Thom Van Every, said: “I feel very sorry for the 22,806 pensioners in Guildford Borough, who will lose their Winter Fuel Allowance, which is a vital lifeline for many.

“I would urge any pensioners who are having to choose between heating and eating this winter, to check whether you are eligible for Pension Credits. I also urge residents to sign the petition online at: www.keepwinterfuel.com.

“No one voted for this unnecessary and punitive cut by the Labour Government, while they prioritise above-inflation pay rises for train drivers and public sector workers.

“Neither did Guildford residents vote for a 48 per cent increase in the number of houses to be built in Guildford’s Green Belt under new Labour targets. It must be remembered that a vote for the Liberal Democrats in Guildford means a vote for Labour in Parliament. Something worth reflecting on as we find ourselves in this sorry state.”

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