LAURA KYRKE-SMITH MP’S STATEMENT ON WINTER FUEL PAYMENTS VOTE
Dear Aylesbury constituency residents,
As you might know, there is a vote in the House of Commons today on the forthcoming changes to the Winter Fuel Payments. I will be voting with the Government in support of these changes, as I support the overall programme of change that we were elected to deliver. Unfortunately, given the dire state of the finances that we have inherited from the Conservatives, this Government is having to make some tough decisions and this is one of them.
I am, however, very concerned about the most vulnerable pensioners in Aylesbury and the villages. I attended a briefing by Independent Age and Age UK last week to ensure that I’m offering the right support. I have also raised the following questions with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions:
“To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent estimate she has made of the number of pensioners eligible for Pension Credit in Aylesbury constituency; and what steps she is taking to encourage the take-up of Pension Credit in that constituency.” (https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2024-09-06/4579); and
“To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to support pensioners with the cost of living crisis in Aylesbury constituency.” (https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2024-09-06/4580)
I expect to receive answers to these questions by 12 September 2024, and you will be able to see my questions, and the Minister's answers, by following the links above.
Pension Credit is a vital lifeline for pensioners with little or no means to supplement their fixed income, and it’s crucial we ensure all those eligible for it are claiming it. Over a third of eligible pensioners (880,000) are currently not claiming Pension Credit, which could provide an additional £3,900 a year. But more than this, those in receipt of Pension Credit also automatically qualify for a range of benefits; this includes Winter Fuel Payments, but can also include free TV licences for over 75s and Cold Weather Payments for those in the coldest areas. We will still be providing an additional £200 to households eligible for the Winter Fuel Payments, and £300 for those with someone aged over 80.
To support Pension Credit take-up, a new housing element will also be introduced into Pension Credit as soon as operationally possible so that pensioner households receiving Housing Benefit also receive any Pension Credit to which they are entitled.
I would encourage pensioners and their friends, family, and neighbours to check if they are eligible by visiting the following link (www.gov.uk/pension-credit/eligibility). There is further information on how to claim it on the following page (https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim), and there is a Pension Credit claim line constituents can call on 0800 99 1234. Charities such as Age UK also offer great advice on eligibility (https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/benefits-entitlements/pension-credit/), and Independent Age has a Winter Fuel Payment helpline, which you can access on 0800 319 6789.
I recognise that some pensioners do not qualify for Pension Credit, as their income is on the cusp of the threshold needed to receive it. These are the pensioners that I am particularly concerned about.
The bedrock of our support for all pensioners is our commitment to the Triple Lock, which we will maintain throughout the course of this Parliament. The Triple Lock saw the new state pension rise by over £900 this year, and a further rise will be announced in the budget next month. Because of this commitment, more than 12 million pensioners will see their income rise by hundreds of pounds next year and by over £1,000 in the next five years, on top of previous rises. This is essential to ensuring that pensioners’ income stays proportionate to the cost of living.
The Household Support Fund – which we have extended with £500 million of additional funding - is also something that councils can use to help low-income pensioners. If you or your friends and family might be interested in this, you can find more details on Buckinghamshire Council’s website: https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/cost-of-living/household-support-fund/.
We continue to ensure that pensioners are eligible for free prescriptions and free concessionary bus travel. We are helping pensioners by implementing our Warm Homes Plan, which will support investment in insulation and low carbon heating and upgrade millions of homes over this Parliament, slashing energy bills and reducing fuel poverty. We are cutting waiting times in the NHS, which will help many pensioners currently waiting in pain and discomfort for appointments. We are also working with energy suppliers to encourage them to provide extra support to those on low incomes and to tackle and prevent energy debt.
This government will always be open and transparent with the public about the state of the public finances and the tough choices we must take to restore economic stability. If we do not take the difficult decisions to address the £22 billion black hole in the public purse, our public services and social security system will fall into an even greater state of crisis. This includes the Triple Lock, the maintenance of which can only continue if the economy is strong and the books are balanced.
There are no easy options, but inaction is not an option. Under the Conservatives, the necessary long-term decisions to protect the economy were ignored and our finances were ruined as a result. This government is not prepared to let that happen.
In the coming month, I will make in-person appointments available for pensioners who remain concerned about their circumstances and need further support.
Yours sincerely,
Laura.
Laura Kyrke-Smith MP
Member of Parliament for Aylesbury