Around 24,000 pensioners in Skipton and Ripon will now lose up to £300 in Winter Fuel Payment after Labour MPs voted against the Conservative motion to annul the Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Regulations 2024 in the House of Commons on 10 September.
In total, 347 Labour MPs voted to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment despite warnings that pensioners would be forced to choose between heating and eating this winter.
After the vote Skipton and Ripon MP, Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith KCB CBE, said he would continue to fight to help protect vulnerable older people during the winter and will lobby the government to change their plans.
Sir Julian commented, “It is disappointing that the Labour government voted to take away up to £300 from around 24,00 pensioners in Skipton and Ripon.
“Despite knowing that some pensioners will be struggling to pay to heat their homes this winter the government still decided to take this money away.
“I voted against this plan and I will continue to support vulnerable pensioners through the winter months as best as I can.”
