The future of Winter Fuel Payments for around 24,000 pensioners in Skipton and Ripon will be decided by a vote in Parliament during an opposition day debate this week.
Under the Labour Government’s plan to axe the payments for more than 10 million older people across the country, MPs would not have been able to debate the proposal in Parliament.
Now, following representations from Conservative MPs, including Skipton and Ripon MP, Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith KCB CBE, the decision to end the payments will be discussed and voted on tomorrow, 10 September.
Under the Chancellor’s plans pensioners in Skipton and Ripon who do not claim Pension Credit will lose between £200 and £300 annually to help with their heating bills during the winter.
Commenting, Sir Julian said: “One of the first acts of this Government has been to scrap the winter fuel payment for millions of pensioners.
“This represents losses of up to £300 for millions of pensioners at a time when there will be a rise in the energy price cap.
“According to data from the House of Commons Library there are around 26,000 people receiving winter fuel allowance payments in Skipton and Ripon. The Chancellor's plans would mean around 24,000 pensioners in Skipton and Ripon will lose their winter fuel allowance.
“The last Government successfully delivered around 12 million Winter Fuel Payments and Pensioner Cost of Living Payments to older people across the UK in December 2023. These afforded pensioners security in retirement, something I am concerned this Government is not supporting.
“I will be sure to press the Government on this matter during the vote tomorrow.”
