Southend's Labour MPs defend Winter Fuel Allowance vote

On Tuesday, MPs were asked to vote on a Government motion that would cut payments for winter fuel to all but the country’s poorest pensioners.

The vote, which passed with a majority of 120, with 348 votes in favour and 228 against, has set elegibility for pension credit as the threshold for receiving Winter Fuel Allowance.

Now, Bayo Alaba, MP for Southend East and Rochford, and David Burton-Sampson, MP for Southend West and Leigh, have released statements defending their voting positions.

In a video statement posted to Facebook, Mr Burton-Sampson has said: “I’m sorry. This is a decision we didn’t want to have to make”.

He added: “We’ve been left with a £22billion black hole that the previous Conservative government covered up”.

The MP, who was elected to his seat in July’s election, said: “Pensioners who are most in need will be looked after, their Winter Fuel Allowance will continue. Those who are on pension credit will still receive it.”

The theme of uncomfortable choices was echoed in Mr Alaba’s statement, as the MP for Southend East and Rochford.

He said: “The legacy we were left by the last Government means hard choices are needed. The money needed to fill the £22bn black hole which Chancellor Rachel Reeves has identified will need to come from somewhere.”

He went on to describe the changes to the Winter Fuel Allowance as: “a decision for the long term.”

Mr Alaba’s statement also included a plea for the nearly 900,000 people entitled to pension credit but not claiming, to do so. 

He said: “There are reportedly 880,000 people entitled but not claiming – which not only means they will not get the Winter Fuel Allowance, but they will not get the pension credit itself or get other things, like discounts on council tax.”

The MP invited constituents to contact his office if they need help checking their eligibility for pension credit.