TH Labour Urges PM to Reconsider Winter Fuel Cuts

Tower Hamlets Labour Group
19/09/2024

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
10 Downing Street
London
SW1A 2AA

Dear Prime Minister,

Reconsideration of Cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment

We firstly wish to express how proud we are to see a Labour Government after 14 years of being in opposition. In Tower Hamlets councillors, activists and volunteers worked extremely hard to successfully elect three Labour MPs. We agree with your vision and the change that is necessary for our country and the essential missions that will get the United Kingdom back on its feet.

We are writing to express our deep concern regarding the recent decision to end Winter Fuel Payments for older people not in receipt of Pension Credit. While we understand that your government has inherited an extraordinarily challenging economic situation, this particular cut will have a disproportionate and damaging effect on some of the most vulnerable members of our community here in Tower Hamlets and many other similar parts of the country.

The Winter Fuel Payment has been a lifeline for elderly residents since its introduction by the last Labour Government. For nearly 20 years, this support has helped older people cover the rising costs of gas and electricity bills, providing much-needed relief during the coldest months. With energy costs now at unprecedented levels, we fear that cutting this support for those not in receipt of Pension Credit will push many of our elderly residents into fuel poverty.

In Tower Hamlets alone, nearly 9,000 pensioners are set to lose their Winter Fuel Payment. Many of these residents have small occupational pensions that place them just above the £13,000 annual threshold for Pension Credit, but they are far from “wealthy.” For these people, the loss of the Winter Fuel Payment will leave them struggling to heat their homes, forcing them to choose between staying warm and meeting other essential living costs.

While we welcome the government’s efforts to boost the take-up of Pension Credit, this alone will not protect thousands of older residents who are ineligible but still face significant financial challenges. Tower Hamlets is one of the most diverse and economically pressured areas in the country, and our elderly residents are at the forefront of this crisis.

We are encouraging Tower Hamlets Council to do what it can to support our elderly residents, but we urge you to reconsider the decision to cut the Winter Fuel Payment and restore this vital support for all pensioners.

Thank you for your consideration, and we hope to hear of a positive outcome soon.

Yours sincerely,

Tower Hamlets Labour Group