MP Votes To Cut Winter Fuel Payments

Newquay's MP has faced criticism for voting to cut the winter fuel payment for millions of pensioners.

Noah Law voted against a Conservative motion aimed at stopping government plans to restrict the payment to only the poorest pensioners. The motion was defeated by 348 to 228 votes, a majority of 120.

Earlier, the MP expressed support for means testing the Winter Fuel Allowance. In a letter to the Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, he wrote:

"I support, as do many of my constituents, the need to means test the Winter Fuel Allowance, which has been the only benefit of its kind not to be means tested, and has not been an effective method of directing support to those who most need help heating their homes or reducing energy bills."

Last week, in a question to Treasury colleagues, the MP raised concerns about lower-income pensioners just above the threshold who will miss out on the allowance. He suggested that the Chancellor explore ways in which to shield them from facing tax burdens as a means to help them and welcomed the manifesto pledge for the Warm Homes Plan, which he says could save families up to £500 on their energy bills.

The Conservative group at Cornwall Council has condemned Labour. Conservative Group Leader and Leader of Cornwall Council, Cllr Linda Taylor, said:

“I was very disappointed indeed to see the four Labour MPs who currently represent Cornwall vote to cut the Winter Fuel Payment for tens of thousands of Cornish pensioners today. Cornwall has an ageing population, with greater numbers of people disproportionately affected by Labour’s cuts than elsewhere, but it is clear that our Labour MPs have simply followed their Whip’s orders and not voted in the interests of their constituents.”

In his letter to Mr Miliband, Noah Law called for "much more immediate action" to support this "potentially vulnerable group with their energy bills," asking if elements of the government's proposed Warm Homes Plan could be brought forward to help households with energy costs this winter.