This week MPs will be asked to vote on plans to introduce means testing for all those over 80 in order to receive the winter fuel allowance.
Concerns have been raised by commentators, politicians and even those in the House of Lords, that only those receiving pension credit would receive the £200 and £300 winter fuel allowance.
Earlier today No 10 said that applications for pension credit have doubled.
Quigley: Pensions will increase way in excess of the winter fuel allowance
Isle of Wight West Labour MP, Richard Quigley told OnTheWight,
“During the campaign, I stood on a platform of finding a solution to the issue with ferries, all Islanders having their own front door, education, especially SEND and post 16 , NHS dentistry and GP access as well as removing barriers to opportunity.
“I can only do that as part of the government in power. None of us wishes to make matters worse for any of our constituents, but the last government has made a much bigger mess of the country and its finances than even we thought.
“Long term, I am committed to ending poverty in all its forms, but the winter fuel allowance has been a sticking plaster that needs a better solution. The triple lock means pensions will increase way in excess of the winter fuel allowance and the pension needs to continue to increase at that rate.
“Lots of people expressed concern over the future of the children and grandchildren during the election, fearing their future were lost. I am fighting to give them a future and what seems like a step backwards now means we will be able to sprint forward when we have cleared up the mess”.
Robertson: A cruel blow to some of the most vulnerable people in our society
Isle of Wight East Conservative MP, Joe Robertson, told OnTheWight that he would be voting against the Government’s plans for means testing of this year’s £200 and a £300 winter fuel allowance for the over 80s.
He has also written an article for The Express newspaper, in which he says,
“Labour’s decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment is a cruel blow to some of the most vulnerable people in our society — like those living with dementia and long-term frailty.”
He added that,
“As someone who used to work for Dementia UK, I know about some of the challenges that people with dementia and their families face.”
You can reads his article in full by visiting The Express website.
