Liz Truss slams Terry Jermy for backing Keir Starmer plans to scrap pensioners’ winter fuel allowance
Liz Truss has slammed Terry Jermy after he voted in favour of controversial plans to scrap winter fuel payments for pensioners.
However, the MP for South West Norfolk has hit back - lambasting the “appalling legacy” left by Ms Truss which he says means Labour must “fix our broken public finances”.
Today, parliament had its say on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s proposals to restrict the special fuel payment to those receiving pension credit.
Mr Jermy told the Lynn News yesterday that he was still undecided on how to vote as he was concerned about the impact these plans could have on residents - particularly those who rely on oil to heat their homes.
However, after speaking with the Pension’s Minister over the weekend and the Chief Whip this morning, he opted to vote in favour of Sir Keir’s proposals.
The plans were voted through thanks to 348 Labour MPs being in favour, with 227 voting against them - including Conservative North West Norfolk MP James Wild.
“I explained we are an area with significant levels of fuel poverty through a combination of low wages and poorly insulated homes,” Mr Jermy said following the outcome.
“With so many people reliant on heating oil, and this not being subject to the energy price cap, difficulties are compounded.
“The cost of heating oil has soared in recent years, and I have made the point Winter Fuel Payments are a help to many with their heating oil costs.
“I have been reassured by today’s news about the £460 pensions’ increase for many through the pension’s triple lock, which I fully support.
“The continuation of the Winter Fuel Payments for those in receipt of pension credit, coupled with the continuation of the Household Support Fund costing a further £500million, will ensure that those on the lowest incomes will be supported.
“I therefore decided to support the Government in this vote, recognising we must fix our broken public finances, part of the appalling legacy of my predecessor, Liz Truss.”
However, Ms Truss - who was defeated at May’s general election by Mr Jermy - has slammed her successor.
She has accused him of “betraying thousands of Norfolk pensioners by slavishly obeying orders to troop through the division lobby”.
“Labour MP Terry Jermy today failed his first big test as a local MP,” Ms Truss said.
“He has badly let down his constituents, helping deprive the oldest South West Norfolk residents of much-needed support with their fuel and heating bills.
“His pledge to ‘get the politics to one side’ and stand up to a Labour administration on behalf of local voters now lies in tatters.
“It’s extraordinary that Jermy and the Labour Government value the excessive pay demands of public sector trade unions more than our pensioners.”
Pensioners previously received between £200-£300 each winter as part of the scheme.
The Prime Minister said that scrapping the fuel payments will help to reduce spending, although he admitted it will be an “unpopular decision”.
Mr Jermy added: “I will be doing whatever I can to further support residents who are struggling, with advice about pension credit enrolment or other help that may be available, including assistance through the Household Support Fund.
“I urge anyone worried or struggling to make contact with my team to discuss their own situation and we will do everything that we possibly can to support people, including assisting people to apply for the financial support that is available to those in greatest need.”
