MP calls for 'safety net' over winter fuel payments

More than nine million pensioners are expected to lose the winter fuel payment if the change goes through

A Labour MP has warned the government that some elderly people could "fall through the gaps" if access to the winter fuel payment is restricted.

Lee Barron, who represents Corby and East Northamptonshire, has written to the chancellor and to the work and pensions secretary, calling for a safety net for those most at risk.

MPs will get the opportunity to debate and vote on the proposals on Tuesday.

More than nine million pensioners will no longer be eligible for payments of up to £300 this winter.

Mr Barron published his letter to the government on X.

He said: "While I understand that tough decisions must be taken to ensure that the public finances are in order, my constituents and I are anxious about the proposal to target winter fuel payments to only those on pension credits."

Lee Barron has called for a safety net for those who will just miss out on the payment

He said he was concerned that "pensioners with underlying health conditions, including cancer survivors.. those with low pensions just about the credit threshold and those living in poorly insulated homes.. may struggle to heat their homes during the colder months".

He added: "My main concern is ensuring that no pensioner is at risk of falling through the gaps."

He asked the government to "ensure a safety net is in place for those who are most at risk".

Tom Bryan, 81, said he did not expect a Labour government to take the winter fuel payment off some pensioners

In the café of the New Street Centre in Daventry, some pensioners told the BBC they were worried about the possibility of losing the payment.

'Degrading'

Tom Bryan, 81, from Long Buckby, said: "I didn't vote for this government, but I didn't expect that.

"Cuts have got to be made, and I think the government make them in the wrong place, but what can you do?"

A woman, did not want to be named, said: "We can probably just about manage without it, but it will be a bit of a struggle."

Her husband added that he was "annoyed - they come into power, and the first thing they do is take money off over-80s.

"Our gas bill is so high - are we supposed to freeze to death?

"People say 'put an extra jumper on, but it's degrading."

The chancellor and the prime minister both insist the winter fuel payment cut - worth about £1.5bn - is necessary to fill an alleged £22bn "black hole" in the budget left by the previous Conservative government.

Mr Barron has not indicated which way he will vote.