I already had a blog lined up for this week with two more in the pipeline, but this is a topic that just can’t wait! I’m getting really annoyed by the bullshit I’ve been reading on Twitter/X on this subject so I want to set the record straight. Here is the the actual motion as proposed by former Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride:

That this House regrets that the Government approved the use of the urgency exemption in section 173 of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 to make and lay the Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Regulations 2024 before the Secretary of State had referred the Regulations to the Social Security Advisory Committee

Hansard

Here’s a link to the full debate https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2024-09-10/debates/5A9A6942-10A6-46B4-AA27-2B9A481C9FE0/WinterFuelPayment

It’s noteworthy that only Labour MPs voted against the motion although many abstained. Richard Burgon is receiving a lot of criticism for abstaining when the record clearly shows that he was not one of the three independent MPs who abstained. Some of them had already had the whip withdrawn for voting against retaining the two-child benefit cap but some people think an MP should support their party right or wrong!

I admit to being disappointed with those Labour MPs, like Diane Abbott, who did abstain but people need to get their facts right. If you criticise someone for “voting with the Tories” then you’re just playing political games and not addressing the issue.

What annoys me most is the stereotyping of pensioners as home owning Tory voters. Many of you reading this are likely to be around my age (I’m 75) and never voted Tory in your life! If you own your home that’s hardly an asset if you can’t keep warm! Someone said “Nobody’s too old to move”, but where do we move to – a care home or the crematorium? Personally I’ld choose the latter!

This has to take the prize for the most absurd statement I’ve seen!

Nobody is arguing that wealthy pensioners who don’t need the Winter Fuel Payment should continue to receive it, we’re concerned about those who do need but won’t get it. I know how important it is to keep warm in old age, I feel actual pain rather than just discomfort when I’m cold – I don’t necessarily feel cold – so I can easily imagine that thousands will die because of this draconian measure. To add insult to injury I’ve just learned that Chancellor Rachel Reeves has claimed £4,400 to pay energy bills on her second home.

I receive Pension Credit so won’t lose my WFP fuel payment although I would probably manage without it. I’m considering donating it to Age UK or Independent Age to help those who need it more, if I can do this then wealthier pensioners could certainly do so although it shouldn’t be necessary anymore than foodbanks should be necessary! (I have been donating to a local foodbank for 3-4 years) I pointed out in my previous blog that many pensioners are either just above the threshold where they’re eligible to claim Pension Credit are unaware that eligible to claim.

I’m not a politician and what I say I’ll do I will do if I’m able, even if it’s just a gesture. All I can do before receiving my Winter Fuel Payment is to contact Age UK and Independent Age to find out how it might best be used.