David Chadwick Pushes to Protect 31,148 Pensioners in Powys from Winter Fuel Payment Cut

Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, David Chadwick has backed a motion by his party in Parliament to block UK Labour Government plans to scrap Winter Fuel Payments for most pensioners.

It comes as a new analysis shows an estimated 31,148 pensioners in Powys are at risk of losing the £300 payment, which helps with heating bills in the cold winter months.

This is the estimated number of pensioners in the County who don't receive pension credit, and so will lose the winter fuel allowance under the government’s plans unless they receive other benefits. The figures were compiled by the House of Commons Library based on data from the Department of Work and Pensions.

If passed, the Liberal Democrat motion would protect local pensioners by blocking the Labour Government’s changes and restoring their Winter Fuel Payments. It is set to be tabled as soon as Parliament returns next week and has been backed by all 72 Liberal Democrat MPs.

Across the country, 11 million pensioners are set to lose their Winter Fuel Payment under the government’s plans, including two million that the charity Age UK has said will struggle to afford their energy bills as a result. This is despite the average energy bill being set to rise by £149 a year from October.

The Liberal Democrats are urging the UK Government to think again to protect poorer and more vulnerable pensioners from being forced to choose between eating and heating this winter.

Commenting Liberal Democrat MP David Chadwick said:

“I’ve heard from countless pensioners across Powys worried about losing this vital support and how they will afford their energy bills this winter.

“Stripping support from many of the poorest pensioners just when energy bills are set to rise again is simply wrong. It could force vulnerable elderly people in our community to choose between eating and heating this winter.

“I recognise that the new government faces difficult choices after the appalling economic mess that has been left by the Conservatives. But a rethink is urgently needed so that poorer and vulnerable pensioners in our community continue to get the support they so desperately need.”

ENDS