SOUTHEND’S MPs will back a vote to cut the winter fuel allowance despite Labour being accused of handing their “union paymasters a pay rise” but cutting “vital payments to pensioners”.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned the cuts would be a “painful” and unpopular decision taken by his Government to address a £22million black hole in the country’s finances.

The changes, which will be voted on today, will see only those on Pension Credit or means-tested benefits receive the winter fuel payment – £200, for those on Pension Credit and £300 if someone is over 80.

Anna Firth, former Conservative MP for Southend West and Leigh, criticised Labour for giving union paymasters a pay rise while cutting “vital” payments to pensioners and has written to her replacement, David Burton-Sampson, urging him not to support the cuts.

However, Southend West and Leigh MP Mr Burton-Sampson, and Southend East and Rochford MP Bayo Alaba – both Labour – confirmed they will vote in support.

Mr Burton-Sampson said: “The winter fuel allowance is not being cut, it will continue for everyone on Pension Credit and we have launched a new campaign to boost its uptake.

“I will be voting with the Government. Delivering on our promises is important and I stand by the Government’s decision.

“Tough decisions will need to be taken to get our country back on track.”

He added the Government were committed to keeping the pension triple lock.

The issue could affect 17,291 pensioners in Southend West and Leigh and just under 10 million in the UK. Only 4,000 claiming Pension Credit in Basildon will be eligible for the payment compared to 15,000 last year.

Mr Alaba said: “I am under no illusions that if no action had been taken to repair the Conservatives’ black hole then it would have risked more debt, higher mortgages and higher costs for the future.

“Labour is determined to do everything possible to protect the poorest pensioners, and to increase the uptake of Pension Credit.”

Ms Firth called Government “wrong” to scrap the payment and added she will be “standing up for pensioners” against the “cruel cuts.”