Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has called on the Government to change the pension credit threshold and reverse the Winter Fuel Payment cuts.
In the light of increases in utility bills, Mr Gordon said he wants to see help for those who will be worst hit by the changes.
He highlighted that those just over the threshold for receiving pension credit will now have to survive on even less – whilst also recently having had their income slashed by the removal of the winter fuel allowance.
Mr Gordon said:
“Having lost the winter fuel payment, many pensioners will be all the more worried about upcoming bill rises in the coming months.
“A tapered end to pension credit, and restoring the winter fuel payment, will ensure that more pensioners aren’t plunged into poverty by these bill rises.
“We should be supporting the older generation, not cutting them from every direction. I’m very disappointed to have no firm commitments from the Government.
“Woolly talk of the support that already exists is all well and good, but they’ve cut winter fuel payment and let utility companies hike bills.
"How are already existing schemes making up for what has been lost?”
Tom has asked the Government if they will create a taper for pension credit, so that more people will be able to receive it to help cover the increased costs associated with the rise of utility bills, including for water.
For example, Yorkshire Water’s bills are set to increase by 29%.
A taper system would mean that there would no longer be a ‘cliff edge’ where pensioners with above a certain income don’t receive any credit.
A taper would gradually reduce the amount of money received, to help those just above the cut off. Tom also called for the restoration of the winter fuel allowance.
He said:
“In Britain, we shouldn’t have anyone in poverty. That the Government is willing to allow this to happen is a condemnation of both them and the country.
“I’ll continue to fight to protect pensioners and ensure they aren’t forced into poverty.”
The Minister responding said that the Government wanted to see more people claim pension credit.
He also mentioned that the Government was going to raise the state pension by 4%, and the warm homes discount.
The winter fuel allowance was not mentioned, and nor did he comment on the potential for a tapered pension credit.
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