Scot Lib Dem MPs back motion to block Winter Fuel Payments cut

Liberal Democrats have announced that they will table a motion to block the government’s proposed cut to Winter Fuel Payments as soon as Parliament returns from recess next week.

All 72 Liberal Democrat MPs have backed the party’s ‘prayer motion’ to block the cut to Winter Fuel Payments and ensure MPs are given a vote on the changes before they come into force on 16th September.

It comes as analysis by the Liberal Democrats shows that pensioners are expected to take a £670 hit this winter due to the rise in the energy price cap, the end to the Pensioner Cost of Living Payment, and the government’s cuts to the winter fuel allowance coming into effect.

The Liberal Democrats are urging the government to “think again” about the proposed cut to Winter Fuel Payments which will impact 10 million pensioners. Of these, the charity Age UK has said two million will find paying their energy bills a real stretch and will be seriously hit by this cut.

According to the government’s own figures, 800,000 of the lowest-income pensioners are eligible for Pension Credit but do not get it, meaning they will lose their Winter Fuel Payments.

The Scottish Government has been preparing to replace the Winter Fuel Payment with Pension Age Winter Heating Payment and has announced that it will replicate the changes being made by the UK Government. The replacement has been deferred until winter 2025-26.

Liberal Democrat Scottish Affairs spokesperson Christine Jardine MP said:

“So many pensioners are worried about 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 this winter, is the wrong thing to do.

“That is why the Liberal Democrats are tabling a motion to reject these plans as soon as Parliament returns, and give MPs a chance to vote on this issue on behalf of their constituents.

“The Conservative party has left its successor an appalling mess to clean up. But a rethink is urgently needed so that poorer and vulnerable pensioners continue to get the support they need.”

Additonal Information:

The Liberal Democrats will table a parliamentary motion (known as a “prayer”) to block the Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Regulations 2024, published by the government last week, from becoming law. If passed by the House of Commons, the motion would keep the current system of universal Winter Fuel Payments for pensioner households in place.

Liberal Democrat analysis of the £670 increased costs for pensioners this winter is made up of:

£70 from the rising energy price cap (50% of the total rise in annual bills)

£300 lost from the Winter Fuel Payment

£300 lost Pensioner Cost of Living Payment

Age UK research showing that two million pensioners would struggle with the cut to the Winter Fuel Payment can be found here.

DWP research showing 800,000 pensioners are eligible for Pension Credit but do not receive it can be found here.