Stuart Anderson MP stands up for South Shropshire’s pensioners
“When people are removed from politics, it is a road to nowhere.” – Stuart Anderson MP
Stuart Anderson MP has said he will continue to stand up for pensioners across South Shropshire, despite being defeated in his campaign to save winter fuel payments for all pensioners - not just those in receipt of means-tested benefits such as Pension Credit.
It follows a debate on the new government’s decision to remove the support for energy costs from more than 10 million pensioners. Stuart intervened in the debate which he had called to be held after the new government put forward the changes via the negative procedure. It meant that it did not have to provide time for parliamentary scrutiny and the changes would become law unless a motion was agreed to reject the decision. Stuart joined forces with many other Conservative MPs by signing the motion that called on the government to scrap the changes. While the government agreed, by convention, to the debate, it ultimately won the vote – meaning the restrictions will still be implemented. The Prime Minister did not attend the Opposition Day Debate with less than 20 Government MPs.
Almost a third of residents in South Shropshire were eligible for the payments, which helped with the cost of energy bills during the colder months - with around 24,824 benefitting in 2022-23. In South Shropshire, it will now only be paid to around 2,000 pensioners, who have an active claim for Pension Credit. The Department for Work and Pensions has estimated that only six out of ten eligible pensioners have claimed to receive this support. This means that up to 880,000 people have not yet claimed the support available, leaving £2.1 billion of help unclaimed. This amounts to around £2,200 for each eligible person. Those currently not in receipt of Pension Credit have until 21st December to make a successful backdated Pension Credit claim.
Despite the defeat, Stuart said it is not the end of the conversation about what the government can do to support older and more vulnerable residents. He has already successfully persuaded the government to continue the Household Support Fund, a flexible scheme which funds councils to provide discretionary support for those most in need with the cost of daily essentials such as food, clothing, and utilities like energy and water bills. Last year saw over 30,000 payments made to families across Shropshire.
Stuart has now called on the government to mobilise resources and ensure as many people as are eligible sign up for Pension Credit, unlocking an average of up to £3,900 in support. It not only tops up their retirement income but opens the door to a range of other support, including help with housing costs, council tax, heating bills, a free TV licence for those 75 or over, and help with NHS dental treatment, glasses, and transport costs for hospital appointments. Earlier in the year, Stuart also launched a Household Support Finder to help local families access government-funded schemes. It covers a range of areas including health, housing, and transport and caters for a diversity of residents with different ages and backgrounds. Stuart’s Household Support Finder can be found at https://www.stuartanderson.org.uk/news/household-support-finder-launche….
Speaking after the debate, Stuart said:
“It is deeply regrettable that one of this new government’s first acts has been to scrap winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners at a time when energy bills are set to increase by £150. Unless in receipt of Pension Credit or other qualifying means-tested benefits, the government has announced that millions will no longer receive annual winter fuel payments. It represents losses of up to £300 for almost a third of my constituents in South Shropshire. Pensioners deserve respect and dignity in retirement. That's why I joined fellow Conservative MPs in forcing a debate on this cruel and shameful policy."
Stuart added:
"As I noted in the debate, only 20 Government MPs attended the debate and there was a notable absence from the Prime Minister, whose government has tried to create a narrative that they have had no choice about this policy. That narrative is false. We left it with the fastest growing economy in the G7, inflation at target levels, and unemployment at near record lows. The government has chosen to make this £1.5 billion cut while spending £9 billion on public sector pay rises and £8.3 billion on the red herring that is Great British Energy. I do not believe that this is the end of the conversation about what the government can do to support the elderly and vulnerable, having successfully persuaded it to extend the Household Support Fund. I will continue to do all I can to support my constituents at this difficult time.”
Speaking in the House of Commons, Stuart Anderson MP said:
“I am sure Labour Members never thought in the general election campaign that they would be giving pensioners the choice between heating and eating. Many Labour Members have not even bothered to turn up for a debate on something so critical for many pensioners across this country. We have talked about choices, and this is all about choices. The Government have made a political choice. Labour Members will all have to make a choice, and face their constituents whether they vote for or against. I urge them not to cut the winter fuel allowance.
Let me go on a journey and set out the narrative. The Government say there is a debt and imagine there is a black hole they have to fill, so let us have a look at the numbers. They say they have to find £22 billion, so let us cut £1.1 billion but in the same breath add £9 billion for the pay rises. At the same time, the red herring that is the Great British Energy flop adds another £8.4 billion. That is a decision that the Government have made, but why would the Labour party let numbers get in the way of a good story? The numbers show the Government have no issue making decisions against pensioners.
I am a proud veteran. In November, on Remembrance Day, we ask people to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country. I challenge Labour Members to look at pensioners who have served and say, “We will never forget,” because those pensioners have already been forgotten.
Pensioners, including those who have given a life of service to this country, are living in fear of what is coming next. Almost a third of residents in South Shropshire are pensioners, and they have been writing to me and they are absolutely livid. They feel like they have been led down the garden path—taking away this payment was not what was promised. It is cruel, heartless and callous. This policy needs to change.
The Chancellor has made a rookie error. She has gone into the Treasury and, with everything in front of her, said, “Do this,” and she has removed the personal view. She has made a political decision—[Interruption.] Of course it is a rookie error. This is a massive error. She has listened and removed people from the equation. When people are removed from politics, it is a road to nowhere. Will the Chancellor go and see the Downing Street chief of staff and ask for permission to reverse this proposal?
Stuart’s speech can be viewed at https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/d439fb88-5c5c-48c5-a0db-c715e09f78d2?in=17:08:34.
