Bedford MP Mohammad Yasin was one of 52 Labour MPs to abstain from the vote to remove winter fuel payments for all but the poorest pensioners yesterday (10 September), as a motion to block the Government’s plans to means-test the benefit fell in Parliament.
Responding to questions on his decision to abstain in the vote, Mr Yasin told the Bedford Independent that he thinks, “more can be done to expand the threshold without pensioners in my constituency being afraid to turn their heating on when they need to this winter”.
Mr Yasin did however say that he credits the Government for, “the steps already taken to support pensioners”.
Despite the rebellion from some Labour MPs, the Government won the vote by 348 votes to 228 meaning up to 10 million pensioners are set to lose access to the payment.
Labour Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor, Rachel Reeves claim a “£22bn black hole in the nation’s finances” has forced them into making “difficult choices”, beginning with this plan to remove winter fuel payments for most pensioners in the UK.
The policy is expected to save almost £1.3bn.
Expanding on his decision to abstain from the vote, Mohammad Yasin MP added that he feels “more can be done” to help pensioners in need this Winter.
“I did not vote with the Government to reduce the number of people eligible for the winter fuel allowance”, said Mr Yasin.
“I credit the Government for the steps that have already been taken to support pensioners such as extending the Household Support Fund, protecting the triple lock on pensions, and the Warm Home Discount.
“I understand the difficult financial decisions that the new Government has to make, but I think more can be done to work on the mechanism to deliver this policy.
“I will be working with our local council to ensure that anyone in Bedford who is eligible for Pension Credit, and therefore will continue to receive the winter fuel credit, takes up the payment they are entitled to.”
Conservative MPs attack “Labour priorities”
Conservative MPs in Bedfordshire did not take long to attack the Government’s proposal.
Member of Parliament for Mid Bedfordshire, Blake Stephenson MP labelled the decision as “callous”.
“I’m incredibly disappointed that the Labour Government has forced through its plans to remove access to Winter Fuel Payments for tens of thousands of pensioners across Mid Bedfordshire.
“It is a callous decision just months before energy prices rise as the cold weather arrives and it risks elderly people going cold this winter.
“While the Government may have refused to listen to our concerns, I would urge any pensioners worried about losing their Winter Fuel Payment to check if they are eligible for Pension Credit.
“This would re-open access to the Winter Fuel Payment and provide another boost in income.”
Mr Stephenson had called on his constituents to sign an Age UK petition to save the winter fuel payment, which has now been signed over half a million times.
Read: Mid Bedfordshire MP launches petition calling for rethink on winter fuel payments
His Conservative colleague Richard Fuller, MP for North Bedfordshire added his own condemnation.
“The Labour Government is wrong to scrap the Winter Fuel Payment for pensioners.
“This decision was a choice for Labour MPs: would they support funding support for vulnerable pensioners or inflation busting pay rises for their union bosses.
“Not a single Labour MP from Bedfordshire joined me in supporting pensioners.
“It has not taken long for Labour MPs and ministers to reveal their true priorities.”
“Hard decisions ahead”
Winter Fuel Payments were introduced in 1997 to help older people pay for their heating bills during the colder months. It has previously been given to all pensioners born before 23 September 1958, regardless of income, up to £300 each year.
Only 1.5 million pensioners will now be able to claim the benefit payment, down from approximately 11.4 million.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves defended the decision to make the cut, warning “difficult decisions” on tax and welfare were to come ahead of the budget, due to be announced on 30 October.
Latest data suggests the state pension is due to rise by £460 a year from April 2025 under what is known as the pension “triple lock”.
State pensions go up each year by either 2.5%, the rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or average earnings – whichever is highest.
The Bill moves on to the House of Lords for further scrutiny, but no major changes are expected.
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