Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey has criticised the Government’s decision to cut the winter fuel allowance for some pensioners, calling it the new administration’s “first big mistake.” He stated that Labour MPs and others in the House of Commons are concerned about this move after hearing from their constituents.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves defended the decision to withdraw winter fuel payments from millions of pensioner households not receiving benefits due to a £22 billion shortfall in public finances inherited from the previous Conservative government. This change is expected to impact around 10 million pensioners, reducing the number of recipients from 11.4 million to 1.5 million and saving £1.4 billion this financial year.
Sir Ed Davey emphasised that this decision will affect millions of people and called for a parliamentary debate and vote on the matter. He mentioned that Liberal Democrat MPs have initiated a process to trigger a debate in Parliament to represent the concerns of the electorate who voted for them.
The Liberal Democrat leader expressed hope that MPs from all parties, including Conservatives, would support the call for a vote on this measure. He highlighted the upcoming increase in fuel costs and energy bills, urging the government to reconsider its stance on cutting the winter fuel allowance.
Moreover, Sir Ed Davey suggested that alternative solutions, such as increasing taxes on the wealthiest individuals, could be considered to balance the budget and maintain essential support for pensioners. He urged the government to rethink its decision and engage in a meaningful debate on the issue.
In response to the proposed means-testing of the winter fuel payment, charity Age UK raised concerns that up to two million vulnerable pensioners might be left without crucial financial support during the winter months, putting them at risk.
Overall, there is a growing pushback against the Government’s plan to end the winter fuel allowance for certain pensioners, with calls for a thorough parliamentary discussion and reconsideration of this decision to ensure the welfare of older citizens during the upcoming winter season.
