DWP winter fuel payment cut for millions after key update
Millions of pensioners will lose winter fuel allowance this year after an attempt to block the cuts failed in parliament. It means all but the UK's poorest pensioners will lose out on the payment up to £300, with the number of recipients expected to drop from 11.4 million to 1.5 million.
A Tory move to prevent the measure was defeated by 348 to 228 votes - a majority of 120. Labour has a working majority in the Commons of 167, however 52 Labour MPs did not take part in the vote, including seven ministers. It is unclear how many deliberately abstained or were absent from Parliament for another reason. You can see how your MP voted here.
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Just one Labour MP, Jon Trickett, voted against the government, saying the move would "be a matter of life and death" for his constituents The cut means that from this winter only those claiming pension credit or other means-tested benefits will receive help with their fuel bills, whereas previously the allowance was available to anyone over the age of 66. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here
The Labour administration said this will save about £1.4 billion this year. Ahead of the vote, cabinet minister Jonathan Reynolds said the UK Government had "no choice" but to make the change. He rejected suggestions that the Government's decision to strip all but the country's poorest pensioners of the allowance could see some die of cold this winter.
At the end of July Chancellor Rachel Reeves made the announcement as part of a number of measures to fill a "£22 billion black hole" in public finances. From the offset the plan has been controversial, with some Labour MPs, charities and opposition MPs calling for a U-turn.
It saw nearly half a million people sign an online petition by Age UK urging the UK Government to reverse its decision. Age UK’s campaign called ‘Save the Winter Fuel Payment for struggling pensioners’ warns that the change will negatively impact older people who rely on the extra financial support to help cover the costs of higher bills during the winter.
In an attempt to ensure more people get the benefit, the UK government has launched 'Pension Credit Week of Action' which is aimed at encouraging older people to check their eligibility for Pension Credit, which in turn would see them gain access to winter fuel payments. You can read more about how to check your eligibility and how to apply for Pension Credit here.