NW Norfolk MP James Wild slams Government over plan to scrap Winter Fuel Payments

North West Norfolk MP James Wild his back with his weekly column after Parliament’s annual summer recess…

As schools returned this week, so did Parliament although over the summer I was assisting many constituents, meeting local charities and businesses, and holding the government to account on Lynn’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital, as usual.

The biggest issue in my mailbox by far is the government’s plan to scrap Winter Fuel Payments for millions of pensioners. If the government’s changes are implemented then only pensioners on Pension Credit or means-tested benefits will continue to receive the payments worth up to £300. This could mean 20,000 pensioners in North West Norfolk losing this essential support to help pay their energy bills.

Since this announcement was made Ofgem has said it will increase the energy price cap by 10 per cent. This is a worrying time and many people have contacted me concerned about paying their bills. Last year there were also cost of living payments for pensioners of £300. This year the government has decided not to continue with them.

There are already 2,545 claimants of Pension Credit in North West Norfolk but it is estimated around 1,500 people who should get the extra support do not claim it. Pension Credit is a top-up payment for the most vulnerable pensioners that is worth an average of £3,500. As well as a cash top-up to the State Pension, this can help pensioners access other support such as help with housing costs, council tax reduction schemes, heating bills and a free over-75s TV licence.

So I am encouraging people to check if you or a family member or friend are eligible for Pension Credit as if these plans for cuts go ahead you’ll still get the Winter Fuel Payment – check online www.gov.uk/pension-credit/eligibility or by calling the Freephone Pension Credit claim line 0800 991234.

This cut is the wrong choice by Labour. The plans which they didn’t mention during the election campaign will hit thousands of vulnerable pensioners. The government should reverse the cuts. Age UK is campaigning particularly for those on low incomes who just miss out on Pension Credit (income of around £12,000 a year to qualify), with high energy needs because of disability or illness, or the 800,000 who don’t receive the Pension Credit for which they are eligible.

I signed a parliamentary motion calling on the government to provide time for MPs to have a debate and vote on these plans. At one stage it looked like the government would ignore the normal rules. Given the level of public opposition it is only right that there is a democratic vote and it is expected that next week MPs may have an opportunity to decide whether to stop these plans or not.