Blackpool South MP Chris Webb speaks out on Winter Fuel Payments cut

A Labour MP could go against his own party as criticism of the winter fuel payment for pensioners being scrapped grows.

Blackpool South's Chris Webb - who was elected during a by-election in May and re-elected in July's general election - has signalled his support for an early-day motion calling for a re-think.

He says he is representing the views of concerned pensioners across Blackpool South where Age UK estimate 14,900 people would lose the Winter Fuel Payment under the current proposals outlined by the Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

At the moment anyone receiving the state pension gets up to £300-a-year payment towards fuel bills, but Ms Reeves said for winter 2024-25 this would change to be means-tested. To receive the payment pensioners would either have to be receiving pension credit or a number of other benefit payments to qualify.

A vote on the Winter Fuel Payments change is due to take place during Tuesday evening and Webb's comments suggest he could attempt to defy the whip for the first time in his fledgling Parliamentary career. The Guardian is reporting up to 50 Labour MPs could be set to vote against the government.

Webb said: "Today I signed an Early Day Motion calling on the government to drop the plan to end Winter Fuel Payments and adopt a comprehensive strategy to address fuel poverty.

"I have been listening to the concerns of constituents regarding the means testing of the Winter Fuel Allowance and many pensioners in Blackpool South are worried about what this will mean for them. I am particularly concerned for those who marginally miss out on pension credit entitlement and those who have high energy needs due to disability or illness.

"Age UK estimates that 14,900 people in Blackpool South would lose the Winter Fuel Payment under the government’s proposed plans - 76% of people over 66. Around 2,700 of them are likely to be entitled to pension credits but identifying and encouraging them all to claim in a short timeframe would be difficult.

"I urge the government to reconsider its plans."

The Blackpool Lead has contacted Blackpool North and Fleetwood MP Lorraine Beavers for her views on the proposed Winter Fuel Payment changes.

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