“This heartless decision to remove the Winter Fuel Allowance from the vast majority of pensioners in Castle Point just shows clearly where Keir Starmer and his Labour Government have fixed their priorities and it is with their union paymasters, not with the pensioners who live here.
Despite knowing older people will be struggling to pay to heat their homes this winter, Labour MPs still decided to take this money away from pensioners. I will continue to support vulnerable pensioners through the winter months as best as I can and urge everybody who is above state pension age to check if they are eligible for Pension Credit.”
Dame Rebecca Harris MP - September 2024
Around 20,300 pensioners in Castle Point will now lose up to £300 in Winter Fuel Payment after Labour MPs voted to scrap the scheme in the House of Commons.
Dame Rebecca Harris MP spoke in the debate in the House of Commons arguing against the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment, highlighting the significant impact this will have on vulnerable pensioners in Castle Point who rely on this money to help heat their homes. You can find her full speech by pressing here.
In total, 347 Labour MPs, including the Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, voted to cut the payments despite real warnings that pensioners would be forced to choose between heating and eating this winter.
After the vote, which only came about after strong pressure from Conservative Party, Dame Rebecca Harris said she would continue to fight to help protect vulnerable older people in Castle Point during the winter and will continue to lobby the Government to change their plans.
As the Winter Fuel Payment is set to be means-tested and delivered to those on Pension Credit, Rebecca wants to make sure every single pensioner in Castle Point who is eligible is receiving this. Many people assume it is automatic and that you don’t have to apply for it so they never check, only to discover they can receive thousands of pounds in support when they do. The DWP estimates that £1.7 billion of Pension Credit went unclaimed in 2021/22.
Pension Credit, which can mean over £3,900 support a year, is there for those above State Pension age and on a low income to lend a hand with your everyday expenses - boosting your weekly earnings and giving you access to extra benefits. Even if you have checked in the past - PLEASE CHECK AGAIN - to see if you are eligible now. You can check your eligibility and make a claim by calling: 0800 99 1234 Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm. Or by visiting: www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim Please share this information with anybody you know over the state pension age as they may be eligible.
Dame Rebecca is deeply concerned that the Chancellor has publicly stated that taxes will rise in the Autumn Budget and the impact this will have on residents across Castle Point and will continue to push for lower taxes and to press the Government to protect pensioners.