Around 21,980 pensioners in South West Devon will now lose up to £300 in Winter Fuel Payment after Labour MPs voted to scrap the scheme in the House of Commons on 10 September.
In total, 347 Labour MPs, (including neighbouring Plymouth MPs) voted to cut the vital payments, despite warnings that pensioners would be forced to choose between heating and eating this winter.
After the vote, which only came about after strong pressure from Conservatives, Rebecca Smith for South West Devon said she would continue to fight to help protect vulnerable older people during the winter and will lobby the Government to change their plans.
And said they hoped pensioners would not forget the decision by Keir Starmer and his Labour Government while their union paymasters enjoyed above inflation pay rises.
Rebecca said:
“This heartless decision just shows clearly where Keir Starmer and his Labour Government have fixed their priorities and it is not with the almost 22,000 pensioners who live here in South West Devon, many of whom live off the mains and rely on oil – which is more expensive than mains gas – to run their central heating.
“Despite knowing older people will be struggling to pay to heat their homes this winter – their own report said so – Labour MPs still decided to take this money away from pensioners.
“It has not taken long for Labour ministers and this Government to reveal their true colours.
“I was proud to stand with Conservative colleagues on College Green outside the House of Commons on Tuesday to oppose Labour’s cruel policy on cuts, and I spoke out in defence of my constituents in the Opposition Day debate on the Winter Fuel Payment”
“I voted against Labour’s plan and will continue to support vulnerable pensioners through the winter months as best as I can.”
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