A Watford resident has shared their concerns after Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves MP announced that the government would be changing eligibility rules for the Winter Fuel Payment (WFP).
On Monday, September 9, the new Labour government revealed that “households in England and Wales will no longer be entitled to the WFP unless they receive certain means-tested benefits”.
Speaking to WATFORDnews, local resident Linda Topping said: “Who would have thought that just three months after his election, Matt Turmaine would have voted in favour of removing the £300 WFP for most pensioners?
“A total of 11,566 Watfordians are affected, many of whom may have to choose between eating or heating this winter.”
The Labour Party explained that that they would work with charities and local authorities to identify households eligible for Pension Credit but not claiming it. By removing the WFP, the government has predicted a saving of £1.3billion in 2024/25.
Mr Turmaine MP said: “Making the difficult decision to provide the WFP only to those pensioners who receive Pension Credit isn’t one I or anyone wanted to take. However, it will still be paid to those most in need.
“The enormous £22billion black hole inherited from the Conservative government means the nation’s finances are in a shocking state. If not tackled, the budget deficit would grow by 25 per cent. That’s unsustainable.
“I want to see greater take-up of Pension Credit which means more people will retain the WFP.
“It will take time to fix the foundations of our country. That’s what’s got to happen now to get Britain on a sound footing again.”
Photo credit: Lauren Hurley No 10 Downing Street
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