Winter Fuel Payment stoppage is the result of £22 billion 'black hole' legacy, states Henry Tufnell
The cessation of this year's Winter Fuel Payment, which is expected to affect over 20,000 pensioners throughout Pembrokeshire, is the result of the previous government's £22 billion 'black hole' legacy.
Speaking to Pure West Radio following Tuesday's termination of the winter fuel payments to pensioners, Henry Tufnell,, the recently appointed MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, said the vote was a government measure 'to honour its commitments' as a result of its current economic standing.
"No-one wants to go into government to make difficult decisions, but sadly, we have no choice," he said.
"The £22 billion black hole the Conservatives left us in is real, and it means tough choices are necessary to honour our commitments.
"We are committed to protecting the Triple Lock [which will see the state pension increase each year by either 2.5%, inflation, or earnings growth], which will boost the incomes of 12 million pensioners [by] £900 this year, £460 next year and a rise in every year of this parliament."
The Government defeated the Conservative's Early Day Motion to block the cuts by 348 votes to 228,which equates to a majority of 120.
The winter fuel payments of either £200 or £300 are normally paid in November and December to anyone over the age of 65. But now, following Tuesday's decision, the allowance will be limited to pensioners claiming Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits such a Universal Credit, income-related employment and support allowance.
Meanwhile Henry Tufnell is urging all pensioners who are eligible for the allowance to submit their claims.
"At present 900,000 pensioners across the UK are eligible, but they have not claimed it," he said. "I'll continue to do everything I can to encourage take up, and ensure that those who need support can access it.
"If constituents need support, please contact my office, as I am working with Citizens Advice Pembrokeshire to ensure that all pensioners who are eligible for pension credit receive it."
Winter Fuel Payment stoppage is the result of £22 billion 'black hole' legacy, states Henry Tufnell
The cessation of this year's Winter Fuel Payment, which is expected to affect over 20,000 pensioners throughout Pembrokeshire, is the result of the previous government's £22 billion 'black hole' legacy.
Speaking to Pure West Radio following Tuesday's termination of the winter fuel payments to pensioners, Henry Tufnell,, the recently appointed MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, said the vote was a government measure 'to honour its commitments' as a result of its current economic standing.
"No-one wants to go into government to make difficult decisions, but sadly, we have no choice," he said.
"The £22 billion black hole the Conservatives left us in is real, and it means tough choices are necessary to honour our commitments.
"We are committed to protecting the Triple Lock [which will see the state pension increase each year by either 2.5%, inflation, or earnings growth], which will boost the incomes of 12 million pensioners [by] £900 this year, £460 next year and a rise in every year of this parliament."
The Government defeated the Conservative's Early Day Motion to block the cuts by 348 votes to 228,which equates to a majority of 120.
The winter fuel payments of either £200 or £300 are normally paid in November and December to anyone over the age of 65. But now, following Tuesday's decision, the allowance will be limited to pensioners claiming Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits such a Universal Credit, income-related employment and support allowance.
Meanwhile Henry Tufnell is urging all pensioners who are eligible for the allowance to submit their claims.
"At present 900,000 pensioners across the UK are eligible, but they have not claimed it," he said. "I'll continue to do everything I can to encourage take up, and ensure that those who need support can access it.
"If constituents need support, please contact my office, as I am working with Citizens Advice Pembrokeshire to ensure that all pensioners who are eligible for pension credit receive it."