Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Epping Forest, joined Conservative colleagues in forcing the Labour Government to a parliamentary vote on their proposals to cut Winter Fuel Payments.
Labour had originally aimed to rush through plans via a statutory instrument which would not require a full debate and vote in Parliament. This would mean that millions of payments for older people nationally could be put at risk without oversight from the Opposition.
But now, following strong pressure from Conservative MPs, including Dr Neil Hudson, and an outcry from people across the country, the decision to end the payments will be discussed and voted on by every MP in the country.
This means the Government will be forced to defend their misguided plan before a vote.
Many pensioners in Epping Forest could lose between £200 and £300 annually to help with their heating bills during the winter, if Labour MPs back the plan.
In the winter of 2022-23, with the latest available data, there were 17,692 recipients of Winter Fuel Payments in Dr Hudson's Epping Forest Constituency. The latest available DWP data show that in February 2024 there were 1,948 Pension Credit claimants in Epping Forest parliamentary constituency. With an additional 211 partners of claimants benefiting from Pension Credit. It is not yet clear how many of those winter fuel payments would be put at risk but with only 1,948 claiming pension credit (people to which this new policy will pay winter fuel payment), it suggests thousands of pensioners in Epping Forest could lose their payment. Many of these pensioners may only be just above the means testing threshold, meaning many people will face a huge challenge financially to keep themselves warm this winter.
Dr Hudson has been a longstanding vocal advocate for retaining the Winter Fuel Payment for pensioners and you can read more about his rationale here: www.neilhudson.org.uk/news/dr-neil-hudson-mp-joins-conservatives-calling-debate-halt-winter-fuel-payment-cuts
Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Epping Forest, said:
"Pensioners absolutely deserve dignity and respect in retirement. The Winter Fuel Payments are a backbone of this support and this Labour policy is misguided.”
"It upsets me that a forward-looking nation would even consider a policy that could see many older people live in cold and discomfort. Moreover, the wider implications for our health service, our care sector and for broader family finances have not been considered and could put even greater strain on the public purse in the long term.
"I'm pleased we have seen positive parliamentary pressure in action from our Conservative Party and have triggered this much-needed vote on this policy. I look forward to doing the right thing and voting to retain Winter Fuel Payments for our pensioners next week."
A vote will take place on Tuesday 10 September.
