MPs divided over scrapping winter fuel payments for 10m pensioners

Tory Tatton MP Esther McVey launched a scathing attack on Labour, accusing MPs of ‘robbing’ the elderly.

Meanwhile, Labour’s Mid Cheshire MP Andrew Cooper defended the move, blaming the ‘dire economic inheritance’ left by the previous government.

A total of 348 MPs backed the government, with 228 supporting the opposition motion following a parliamentary debate on Tuesday.

Ms McVey said: “Millions of pensioners, many of whom are struggling to make ends meet, are being sacrificed in this political strategic game.

Tatton MP Esther McVey launched a scathing attack on the 'cruel' policy (Image: Supplied)

“This government have been telling pensioners they didn’t want to do this, but that tough financial decisions must be made.

“But we all know that is poppycock.

“That wasn’t the government’s message to the already highly paid train drivers.

Labour Mid Cheshire MP Andrew Cooper said urgent action was needed due to the 'dire economic inheritance' left by the previous government (Image: Supplied)

“When they met them, money was no object - have as much as you want.

“The public are not as stupid as the government think they are.”

Ms McVey also accused Labour of ‘breathtaking hypocrisy’ as back in 2017 the Conservative manifesto included plans to look at means testing the benefit.

Labour criticised the move and produced research which showed up to 4,000 pensioners lives will be put at risk and struggle to heat their homes.

The policy was dropped by the Conservative Party.

Ms McVey said: “What are we seeing here, that a Labour Party when in office, ditches its beliefs and ditches its research.

Ms McVey also urged government to set out details of any impact assessment it had done on the widespread damage this policy will do.

The Tatton MP, who wants the allowance reinstated for all pensioners, also criticised government for failing to allow proper scrutiny of the policy and instead only allowing retrospective scrutiny.

All benefits regulations are required by law to be considered by the independent Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC), which is usually done in advance.

Labour has opted for the urgency provision, which allows SSAC consideration to be retrospective, which Ms McVey said equated to ‘bypassing SSAC scrutiny’.

Mr Cooper said: “I made the difficult decision to vote with the government on changes to the Winter Fuel Payments so that they target those who need them most.

“This is not a decision I – or any Labour MP – wanted or expected to make, but thanks to the dire economic inheritance left by the previous government, we have had to take urgent action to restore financial stability.

“Throughout this process I have represented the concerns of constituents to government and pushed for as much mitigation as possible.

“I am pleased that the government has agreed to renew the Household Support Fund to provide extra help to people and families facing hardship, and reconfirmed our commitment to the triple lock, meaning pensions go up every year.

“The full new state pension went up by £900 this year and is likely to go up by around £400 next year.

“I have been contacting energy companies over the last couple of weeks to get details of their social tariffs so that I can provide advice to any constituent – young or old – who contacts me this winter.

“I would urge anyone who might be eligible for Pension Credit to check via gov.uk and apply to ensure they continue to receive the winter fuel allowance this year.

“In the budget in October, I’ll be renewing my calls for reforms to Pension Credit to increase the threshold and add tapering to the Winter Fuel Allowance so fewer people miss out.

“The previous government was dishonest with people, making promises they couldn't pay for. “I won't do that. “The difficult but necessary decisions taken now will deliver the economic stability we need to grow our economy and deliver improved living conditions for all.”