The Labour MP for Clapham and Brixton Hill, Bell Ribeiro-Addy, has signed an Early Day Motion (EDM) expressing concerns about Sir Keir’s proposal to limit pensioners’ access to the special fuel payment to those who receive pension credit.
Both Ms Begum and Mr McDonnell, the former shadow chancellor, were Labour MPs prior to their expulsion from the party in July for voting against the Government’s proposal to eliminate the two-child benefit cap.
Mr McDonnell, the independent left-wing MP, informed Lewis Goodall on LBC on Sunday, September 8 that, if the modifications are not amended before they are presented to Parliament, he will not vote in favour of them.
Mr McDonnell stated: “I will vote against it. We’ve had 14 years of austerity; I don’t think my community can cope with it any more.
“My fear is, as a result of this, there will be more deaths.”
According to reports, those who don’t support Sir Keir’s plans risk losing the Labour whip.
The Prime Minister and the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, argue that the unpopular proposals are required to turn around Britain’s economy.
They insist their Tory predecessors left them with a £22bn “black hole” in the nation’s finances.
Here’s what you need to know about the winter fuel payment.
What is the winter fuel payment?
It is a tax-free annual payment the Government provides to help older people with their heating costs during the winter.
The payments were previously a universal benefit for all pensioners until this year’s mean-testing move.
Who is eligible for winter fuel payment?
The amount you receive depends on your age and living situation. For example:
From 2024, only pensioners receiving other benefits such as universal credit or pension credit will qualify for the winter fuel payment.
Many have argued that pensioners only receive pension credit if their annual income is below £11,336.
Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said restricting the winter fuel payment to those on pension credit was “reckless and wrong” and “spells disaster for pensioners on low and modest incomes”.
Age UK said it would fight the decision and have launched a petition.
Scotland no longer provides the universal winter fuel payment for all pensioners.
Instead, the Scottish Government has introduced the winter heating payment, an annual allowance of £58.75 for those receiving certain benefits.
When will eligible people receive their winter fuel payment?
You’ll get a letter telling you:
- how much you’ll get
- the bank account it will be paid into — usually the same one as your pension credit or other benefits.
How to apply if you think you should be eligible for the winter fuel payment
If you think you should be eligible for the winter fuel payment but haven’t received it automatically, you can apply by following these steps:
- Check eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria mentioned above.
- Gather information: Have your National Insurance number, bank or building society details, and the date you were married or entered into a civil partnership (if applicable) ready.
- Apply by phone or post: By phone: Call the Winter Fuel Payment Centre. The phone number can be found on the UK Government website. By post: Download the claim form from the UK Government website, fill it out, and send it to the address provided on the form.
- Submit your claim: Make sure to submit your claim by the deadline, usually around the end of March for that winter season.
When was the winter fuel allowance introduced?
The Labour government of Tony Blair introduced the payment in 1997 to tackle fuel poverty among older people. The goal was to provide financial support to help pensioners with the costs of heating their homes during the cold winter months.
The payment was £20 (or £50 for those in receipt of means-tested benefits).
