Grahame Morris MP, statement following Winter Fuel Allowance announcement.

“The Conservatives left a £22 billion black hole in the country’s finances. The Chancellor provided proof that they knowingly overspent departmental budgets, covered it up, called an election, and then ran away from the problem. The Conservatives crashed the economy under Liz Truss, and would have done so again had the Chancellor not taken immediate action. I share the views of the Chancellor, that our public services and society is built upon sound public finances, and that we must be honest with the public.

I accept that difficult decisions are required, and understand these may include actions and policies for which I disagree. However, I do not believe you can balance the nation’s finances on the backs of pensioners, and restricting Winter Fuel Allowance to those only in receipt of Pension Credits fails to acknowledge the thousands of pensioners in our community just above the pension credit thresholds due to very small occupational pensions. The cliff edge created by Pension Credits means people just a few pounds above the threshold are ineligible for a range of additional support. I believe a Labour Government should always protect our poorest pensioners, but this decision sadly creates a new tier of pensioner poverty.

In view of the circumstances, I have made representations to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, expressing my concerns, and asking that she review the decision and extend protections to a greater number of pensioners.

I am angry about this decision, the incoming Labour Government has been left a disastrous inheritance from the Conservatives, however, rebuilding Britain cannot mean jeopardising the financial security of pensioners, who are particularly vulnerable due to being on fixed incomes.

This will be an issue I will continue to pursue with the Treasury.”