I am encouraged by the Prime Minister’s comments on 21st of May 2025 regarding changes to the winter fuel allowance.
Talking with people across Weston, Worle and the villages, it has been increasingly clear that these changes have been really challenging for members of our community.
The Government’s decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment was difficult, but it was rushed and deserved greater care and consideration. I broadly agree with the principle of targeting support more effectively, especially given the challenging fiscal situation inherited from the previous government, but over time, it’s become clear that the position was unsustainable.
I am really pleased by the government’s action to increase the number of eligible pensioners claiming pension credit. A national awareness campaign encouraged 13 million pensioners to claim, resulting in a 64% increase in successful claims.
However, the government’s eligibility threshold is too low, and the resulting “cliff-edge” effects are causing many people in genuine need to go without help.
Many colleagues and I have been advocating for reviewing the changes and reexamining the threshold, and I welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment today to do so.
I will continue to work closely with government colleagues to ensure that we strike the right balance between fixing the fiscal situation left by the last government and ensuring that all vulnerable people in Weston, Worle, and the villages get the support they need.
