MILLIONS of pensioners are set to lose their winter fuel payments this year after Labour's controversial policy passed in Parliament.
With Labour announcing that they were planning to cut the winter fuel payments to all but the poorest pensioners, the move proved extremely controversial as opposition parties voted to block the cuts.
52 Labour MPs did not take part in the vote, and one Labour MP, Jon Trickett, voted against the government, but the vote passed by 348 votes to 228.
St Helens North MP, David Baines voted with the government to cut the payments to those not receiving pension credit. St Helens South and Whiston MP, Marie Rimmer did not vote as she was absent from Parliament for illness.
READ > 'It's like she's been forgotten': Mum continues appeal over murdered daughter
Ahead of the controversial vote, the recently elected MP for St Helens North explained his decisions for voting with the government, with Labour making the move in an attempt to fill a "black hole" in public finances.
Those who are eligible for the "means tested" pension credit will still receive the £200 or £300 top ups in November and December.
In a statement, David Baines MP said: "I share the anger of many people in St Helens North at the state of our public finances and understand the concern about the decision to target winter fuel allowance to those who are on Pension Credit.
"This is without doubt an extremely difficult choice and not one I or anyone else expected to have to make.
"However, the decision was necessary because we have discovered that the previous government made a series of unfunded spending commitments and left a £22bn black hole in the country’s finances this year.
"The vote today in Parliament is to either support the Tories and keep the allowance universal, creating a £1.5billion unfunded commitment, giving money we don’t have to many who don’t need it; or support the Labour government and target the allowance to those who do most need it.
"I will therefore be supporting the Labour government. Labour is also extending the Household Support Fund and protecting the state pension triple lock.
"State pensions will increase by around £900 this year, and just today it has been revealed they are expected to rise by at least another £460 next April, outstripping the winter fuel allowance.
"We also want more people to apply for Pension Credit. Under the Tories over 800,000 eligible pensioners didn’t get it, which this government will rectify.”
Mr Baines also spoke about the £500m of targeted support for those in the greatest need, as reported in the Star last week, and encouraged people to check if they are eligible for pension credit here or by calling 0800 99 1234.
The recently elected MP also said that the Labour Party is prioritising support for pensioners through the 'Warm Homes Plan', which will see millions of homes upgraded through insulation and low carbon heating.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel