Peter Fortune MP's latest column in the News Shopper.
Temperatures are plummeting, and energy bills are rising again. The Government's decision to strip winter fuel payments from more than ten million pensioners will leave many in the cold this winter.
Over 50,000 people across the London Borough of Bromley have lost up to £300 of energy bill support this winter. While some wealthy pensioners may be able to absorb the blow, many others worried about the cost of living will not.
The Government knows the benefit cut will push up pensioner poverty. New figures show 100,000 more pensioners will soon be living in relative poverty. We also know from charities that some pensioners will not survive this winter if they cannot heat their homes.
It's a cruel decision and a surprise. After all, Gordon Brown created the winter fuel payment to tackle pension poverty when he was Chancellor. Every Conservative government since has protected it. But this new Labour government's first action in office was to slash it.
The welfare cut comes at a terrible time. Despite Labour's election promise to cut energy costs by £300, these bills are increasing again.
Energy bills for the typical home are 10% higher this winter, costing people £149 more to stay warm and turn on the lights. The energy regulator has confirmed that bills will rise again from January to £1,738. This is driving inflation up again, which means higher shop prices.
With bills rising and support removed, many pensioners locally are worried this winter. I've spoken to constituents who are fearful they cannot make ends meet without the winter fuel payment. Others are worried about their elderly relative, who they know is struggling.
Over half a million people have signed Age UK's petition to save the winter fuel payment. In Parliament, Conservative MPs, including myself, forced a vote on the change. One of my first votes on behalf of Bromley and Biggin Hill was to keep the payments. But sadly, Labour MPs overwhelmingly voted to approve the welfare cut, and the Chancellor refused to reconsider the cut in her Budget.
What can we do now? As one of Bromley borough's two Conservative MPs, I will continue campaigning to restore winter fuel payments. But I am also urging everyone over state pension age or anyone concerned about elderly family members to check if they are eligible for Pension Credit.
This benefit is worth over £3,900, but a million pensioners entitled to receive it haven't signed up. If you think you might be eligible, there is support to apply. Age UK is a brilliant charity that can help with a free advice line on 0800 678 1602, and Citizens Advice also offers superb support on 0800 144 8848.
I do not understand Labour's decision. The Government has cut winter fuel payments to save £1.5 billion, claiming it cannot afford them. However, the Budget raises taxes by £40 billion and increases public spending by £70 billion. Our country can afford to keep pensioners warm. Sadly, this Government is the first in nearly thirty years to choose not to.
