As the Chancellor outlined, the government’s decision to target winter fuel payments to the poorest pensioners who are on Pension Credit and most in need was not one she wanted to or expected to make, but it was the right decision to get our country’s finances on a firmer footing.
By taking the tough decisions now to protect the public finances the Government can begin the process of change. By providing economic stability, we can begin to attract the investment and growth our city and country desperately needs in order to fund our vital public services.
We have committed to reducing NHS waiting times to 18 weeks, ensuring people can see their GP and rebuilding our NHS.
We also know that those with the broadest shoulders should bear the heavier burden. That includes cracking down on non-doms, tackling tax avoidance, ending the tax break on private schools and backing tough fines on water companies.
Misinformation and our policies to increase pensioners’ income
I know some constituents have seen misinformation online about the support available to pensioners, so I want to be very clear about the five points below:
First, pensioners in receipt of pension credit will still receive winter fuel payments in full.
Under the last Tory government, over 800,000 eligible pensioners didn’t get the benefits they were entitled to. That’s why I launched my local campaign alongside the Portsmouth Pensioners’ Association to encourage take up of Pension Credit for those pensioners eligible for it, writing to local people directly and hosting events to raise awareness. You can read more about this here: https://www.stephenmorgan.org.uk/city-mp-launches-pension-credit-awareness-campaign-amid-cost-of-living-concerns-for-portsmouth-pensioners//
While the previous Government failed on Pension Credit, the new Government is determined to make a difference and ensure thousands of pensioners claim Pension Credit which will unlock winter fuel payments and other benefits.
Because winter fuel payments will continue for anyone in receipt of pension credit, we have also launched a new cross government campaign to boost its uptake – because only two thirds of pensioners entitled to pension credit actually claim it.
I encourage you, your friends, family and neighbours to check if you or they are eligible by visiting the following link: www.gov.uk/pension-credit/eligibility or by calling the Pension Credit claim line at 0800 99 1234.
Second, the government is absolutely determined to do everything possible to protect the poorest in society. That’s why we have also announced this week that we will extend the Household Support Fund, providing £500m of targeted support for those in the greatest need.
Third, the government is committed to slashing fuel poverty through our Warm Homes Plan, which will support investment in insulation and low carbon heating and upgrade millions of homes over this parliament. The government is also prioritising rebuilding our public services especially the NHS, which many pensioners and others rely on.
Fourth, energy bills are lower this year than they were last year. The energy price cap will be £117 lower at the end of 2024 than it was in 2023.
Fifth and finally, the government is committed to protecting the triple lock on pensions over the lifetime of this parliament. The triple lock saw the new state pension rise by over £900 this year, and a further rise will be announced at the budget next month. And because of our commitment to the triple lock, pensions are projected to increase by over £1,000 in the next five years.
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.
I am still very angry that the previous Conservative government knowingly overspent on departmental budgets, covered it up, called an election and ran away from the problem.
If no action had been taken to repair the Conservatives’ black hole then it would have put the UK’s financial stability at risk, possibly leading to higher prices, mortgages and rents. When Liz Truss lost control of the economy it was ordinary people, including pensioners, who paid the price.
Constituents can be assured I am committed to supporting Portsmouth pensioners and trust that the measures above will ensure their incomes will increase over this Parliament.
