Mid Cheshire Lib Dems urge u-turn on Winter Fuel Payment cuts

Mid Cheshire Liberal Democrats have warned that 3,653 over 80s in the area will miss out on the financial support as a result of the government’s decision.

That is according to statistics released by the Department for Work and Pensions earlier this week.

Jack Price-Harbach, who stood as the Lib Dem candidate in the General Election, said: “Thousands of pensioners here in Mid Cheshire are desperately worried about how they will make it through this winter.

“We are especially concerned about vulnerable older pensioners, and these figures are deeply worrying.

“Last week, the Prime Minister had sausages on his mind. Today, some folks will have to choose between heating their sausages or heating their homes.

“Cutting these payments for thousands of my constituents, including many that are just barely getting by, is the completely wrong thing to be doing.”

Jack Price-Harbach (Image: Supplied)

The Lib Dems’ analysis of the DWP data shows, in Mid Cheshire, there are 3,653 pensioners aged over 80 not in receipt of pension credit and will lose the Winter Fuel Payment, unless they receive other benefits.

Previously, everyone aged over 80 was entitled to £300 to help with their energy bills.

Last year, £2.78 million was paid out to pensioners in Mid Cheshire, with £1.08 million of that going to over 80s.

In total, 14,923 pensioners in the constituency do not receive pension credit and are therefore at risk of losing support.

As such, the Lib Dems are calling on the Government to reconsider cutting the Winter Fuel Payments.

Mr Price-Harbach added: “It is not too late for this new government to change course, reverse these proposals and protect vulnerable pensioners here in the salt towns this winter.”

Andrew Cooper, the Labour MP for Mid Cheshire, explained he made the ‘difficult but necessary’ decision to support his party’s plan because of the financial state the country was left in by the Conservatives.

Mr Cooper said: “Means-testing winter fuel payments is not a decision I – or any Labour MP – wanted or expected to make, but thanks to the dire economic inheritance left by the previous government, we have had to take urgent action to restore financial stability.

“I made the difficult decision to vote with the government on changes to the Winter Fuel Payments.

“This is because I strongly believe extra help should be based on need rather than age.

“The previous government was dishonest with people, making promises they couldn't pay for. I won't do that. 

“The difficult but necessary decisions taken now will deliver the economic stability we need to grow our economy and deliver improved living conditions for all.”