A LABOUR MP has challenged the Government over plans to hammer pensioners by scrapping universal payments to bring down heating bills.
Neil Duncan-Jordan (below), the new MP for Poole, Dorset, has tabled a motion expressing concern over Labour’s plans to axe the universal Winter Fuel Payment, which campaigners have warned could plunge pensioners into fuel poverty.
The motion notes that the Government has failed to assess how the change would affect pensioners or give enough time for a “proper and effective” campaign to get people signed up to Pension Credit.
It goes on to express concern that “colder homes make older people more susceptible to poor health” and raises the alarm over the looming threat of a 10% hike in energy bills from the start of October.
The motion adds that shifting from a universal benefit to a means-tested scheme fails to “account for those people with modest incomes that are just above the entitlement threshold for Pension Credit”.
Those claiming Pension Credit will remain eligible for the payment, which can be up to £300 depending on circumstances.
But charity Age UK has raised concerns that the process for applying for Pension Credit, which requires navigating a 22 page form of 243 questions, could prove a “significant barrier in securing vital financial aid this winter”.
The charity said: “Poor eyesight, arthritis and other health conditions can make writing and even reading this form difficult. Not to mention those who are not comfortable using the internet or technology might lack a support network to assist them.
“The decision to limit access to the Winter Fuel Payment means that many older people, who may not qualify for Pension Credit, but are still struggling to pay their bills are losing a lifeline where they can keep their homes warm without having to compromise for other essentials.”
Duncan-Jordan, who was first elected to the former Tory stronghold at the July election, has gained the support of a number of left-wing Labour MPs, including Clive Lewis and Nadia Whitthome.
He also has the support of some MPs who were elected on a Labour ticket but almost immediately suspended from the party after backing a motion to reverse Keir Starmer’s plans to keep the two-child benefit cap.
The motion also has the support of new Tory MP Neil Shastri-Hurst.
