The MP for Milton Keynes North has confirmed that he will be voting with the Government to means-test the Winter Fuel Allowance “given the dire state of the public finances inherited from the previous Government.”
The Winter Fuel Allowance, originally introduced in 1997 by then-chancellor Gordon Brown, was designed to help older people with heating costs during the winter months.
Paid annually, the benefit currently provides £200 or £300, depending on the recipient’s age, and has been universally available regardless of income or wealth. However, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government, there are plans to restrict the payment to pensioners who qualify for Pension Credit or other specified benefits, including Universal Credit and Income Support.
In a letter to the constituents of Milton Keynes North, Chris Curtis MP said, “Since the General Election, it has become clear that the previous Government left a £22 billion black hole in the public finances this year. If no action had been taken to repair this, it would have put the UK’s financial stability at risk, possibly leading to higher prices mortgages, and rents.”
Chris Curtis MP acknowledged concerns about the potential impact on vulnerable pensioners during the winter season, especially amid the ongoing high energy costs driven by the Russia-Ukraine war. He added, “My main concern is that vulnerable pensioners may face difficulties paying their bills this winter as a result of this decision. I have had many conversations with colleagues across the Government and have been reassured that this won’t be the case.”
Chris Curtis MP also urged constituents to check their eligibility for Pension Credit, which may allow them to continue receiving the Winter Fuel Allowance under the new rules, concluding, "I would urge you to check if you are eligible for pension credit here: https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/eligibility.
“If you are concerned about your circumstances, please email chris.curtis.mp@parliament.uk and a member of my team will get back to you as soon as possible.”
MPs are expected to vote on the motion today (September 10), which could see more than nine million pensioners lose eligibility for the allowance under the proposed changes.
The MPs for Milton Keynes Central and Buckingham and Bletchley have not yet confirmed their stance.
