The MP for Chesham and Amersham Sarah Green explains why she voted against Labour's cut to the Winter Fuel Payment.

Many local residents have contacted me over the last few weeks to voice their concerns at the cut to the Winter Fuel Payment. Let me be clear that I share those concerns. I voted against the cut, and I spoke in Parliament to further raise my objection.

However, the new Government has such a large majority, they won the vote and it seems that the cut will be implemented, despite widespread opposition.

There are several reasons this cut is concerning - not least the imminent 10% increase in energy bills. I’m also concerned at the clunky way the government is approaching the question of who should still get the Winter Fuel Payment, and basing it primarily around those in receipt, or not, of the Pension Credit.

Pension Credit is a benefit given to those pensioners on the very lowest incomes, to help with living costs. But one in three people who are entitled to claim Pension Credit, don’t claim it. 

I have met numerous constituents who could apply for benefits payments of various kinds, but they actively decide not to claim, as they feel that others are worse off and more in need. So they don’t apply for the help that they qualify for - and need.

The Government’s narrative is that by increasing the basic state pension payments everything will even out, if we all look at the bigger picture. However, this overlooks the fact that the increase is there to pay for goods which have gone up in cost due to inflation.

While there are pensioners who openly state that they don’t need the Winter Fuel Payment, this blunt instrument of change means that for some the question could well return to whether to “eat or heat” this winter. This is in no way acceptable and I continue to urge the government to think again.