The difficult decision to target winter fuel payments to the poorest pensioners who are on Pension Credit was necessary because the previous government made a series of unfunded spending commitments and left a £22bn black hole in the country’s finances – threatening our economic stability.
The last Labour government lifted over one million pensioners out of poverty. This government is committed to protecting the triple lock on pensions, despite many organisations, such as the Institute for Fiscal Studies, urging us to scrap it.
The triple lock will mean that, over the next five years, 12 million pensioners, including thousands in Portsmouth, will see their state pension increase by thousands of pounds.
In addition, Ministers are prioritising support for pensioners through the Warm Homes Plan which will support investment in insulation and low carbon heating and upgrade millions of homes over this parliament.
I know many pensioners are desperately worried about the NHS which is why the government has committed to reducing NHS waiting times to 18 weeks, ensuring people can see their GP and rebuilding our NHS.
Winter Fuel Payments will also continue for anyone in receipt of Pension Credit. Constituents will already know the work I’ve been doing locally on this by running a campaign to ensure that everyone eligible for pension credit in our city is claiming it.
I would encourage constituents to check if they are eligible by visiting www.gov.uk/pension-credit/eligibility or by calling the Pension Credit claim line at 0800 99 1234.
This government will always be open and transparent with the public about the state of the finances and the tough choices we must take to protect our economic stability.
I know the winter fuel allowance being focused on the poorest pensioners will be disappointing to some. This is not a decision that the government wanted or expected to make.
Personally, I am very angry that the previous Conservative government knowingly overspent on departmental budgets, covered it up, called an election and ran away from the problem. However, constituents can be assured I will continue to share ideas and concerns as their strong national voice in Parliament.
