Nigel Huddleston MP has condemned the Labour Government's decision to cut winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners, including 21,661 in Droitwich and Evesham.
With 23,438 people aged 66 and over in the Droitwich and Evesham constituency, many local pensioners now face a winter without this vital financial support. Despite Labour's claims, the facts show that they chose to spend money elsewhere, including over £10 billion on union pay settlements
Huddleston stated in the Commons:
"The Labour Government claims they had no choice but to cut winter fuel payments, but the reality is that this was always part of their plan. Local pensioners who have worked hard all their lives deserve better than to have their much-needed winter support cut, especially when there are other spending choices the government could have made. The Winter Fuel payments are expected to save them £1.5billion yet within weeks of coming to Power Labour have splurged £10 billion on inflation busing pay increases, £8billion on an GB Energy and £7billion on a so called National Wealth Fund. Interesting choices!”
Despite claims that this is a response to unexpected financial constraints, Huddleston pointed out in a debate in the House of Commons this week that this is not the case. On 25th March 2014 Rachel Reeves said in the House of Commons: “We are the party who have said that we will cut the winter fuel allowance for the richest pensioners and means-test that benefit to save money.” Huddleston said that this statement makes it clear that Labour planned to take Winter fuel allowances away from pensioners all along. Huddleston is calling on the government to rethink its priorities and restore winter fuel payments for all pensioners in need.
