All three Ealing Labour MPs have voted for the government to axe winter fuel allowance for pensioners who are not receiving pension credit or other means-tested benefits.
The vote in Parliament today (10 September 2024) saw the Conservative motion to stop government plans defeated. 348 MPs voted against the motion while 228 voted for the motion, giving the government a majority of 120. Within the Labour party, 53 of its MPs abstained from voting
Ealing Central & Acton MP Dr Rupa Huq, Ealing Southall MP Deirdre Costigan and Ealing North MP James Murray all voted against the motion.
The government has said it is working to help identify those who are entitled to the allowance through pension credit or other means-tested benefits so they can still get the winter fuel allowance.
Councillor Gary Malcolm, leader of Ealing Liberal Democrats told EALING.NEWS: “Liberal Democrats say that over the last five years local people are poorer and many residents will take cost-cutting measures due to the government’s announcement to withdraw the winter fuel payment support.
“Lots will eat less this winter.
“Liberal Democrats say this saving is very small but will cause so much harm. We called on the Labour government to urgently rethink cuts that will affect around 11 million people.”
Neil Reynolds, chair of Ealing Green Party told EALING.NEWS: “What is the point of the Labour Government if they are going to continue with the failed austerity of the past 14 years? Today’s vote is continuity Conservatism and will be bitterly disappointing to many pensioners on modest incomes in Ealing.”
Speaking of axing the allowance for all pensioners, Dr Huq said on X before today’s vote: “Restricting winter fuel payments was unexpected and unwanted for all Labour MPs I’m getting numerous emails and am feeding in concerns but at present millionaires get this who dont need it. With dire Tory inheritance there is an argument for better targeting as I said @itvlondon.”
