Vikki Slade urges government to reverse winter fuel payment cuts

A total of 6,696 people aged over 80 in Mid Dorset & North Poole are at risk of losing their Winter Fuel Payments due to the government’s cuts, the latest official statistics released on September 24.

Liberal Democrat MP Vikki Slade, who has previously supported a motion in Parliament to prevent cuts to winter fuel payments for pensioners, has called on the new government to ‘protect vulnerable pensioners.’

Liberal Democrat MP for Mid Dorset & North Poole, Vikki Slade, said: “Thousands of pensioners here in Mid Dorset & North Poole are desperately worried about how they will make it through this winter.

“I am concerned most about those older pensioners, and these figures are deeply worrying.

“I have heard countless stories from those who now say they will have to choose between staying warm or putting food on the table as a result of this government’s decision.

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

All those aged over 80 were previously entitled to £300 each to help with their energy bills to stay warm during the winter months, but many will now lose this money.

In total, last year those aged over 80 in Mid Dorset & North Poole received £1,807,500 in support with £4,061,300 given out to all pensioners in the constituency.

This figure will fall this winter following the withdrawal of support by the government for the vast majority of pensioners.

In total, 23,166 pensioners in Mid Dorset & North Poole do not receive pension credit and are also at risk of losing support due to the government’s cuts.

Mid Dorset & North Poole MP Vikki Slade has called on the government to reconsider these changes.

Mrs Slade added: “It is not too late for this new government to change course, reverse these proposals and protect vulnerable pensioners here in Mid Dorset & North Poole this winter.”