Winter Fuel Allowance Cut for 15,456 pensioners in Burnley and Padiham

In a significant parliamentary decision yesterday, Burnley's new Member of Parliament Oliver Ryan has voted in favour of the government's proposal to scrap the Winter Fuel Allowance for 15,456 pensioners across Burnley, Padiham and Brierfield.

The vote, which saw MPs decide 348 to 228 in favour of the cuts, reflects the government's strategy to address what they describe as a £22 billion deficit inherited from the previous administration. Burnley's MP, in supporting this measure, has contributed to a policy aimed at reducing public expenditure by an estimated £1.4 billion this year, by targeting support towards those deemed most in need through means-testing.

However, the decision has sparked considerable debate, with a flurry of social media posts condemning the move. Local Councillors, who debated the policy at the last Full Council argued that this places an undue burden on pensioners, and would push some to the limit this winter.

Commenting Hapton with Park Councillor Jamie McGowan said:

“Our new MP has just voted to strip over 15,000 pensioners in our area of their winter fuel allowance. So, whilst he may keep repeating the party line that there is a £22 billion Tory blackhole, the numbers just don’t stack up.

Cutting the winter fuel allowance is going to save £1.5bn, but at the same time he’s supporting the £9 billion we’re spending on public sector wage increases, including a 14% increase for train drivers. And giving £11.6 billion to foreign countries in climate change aid.

When Labour’s own research shows that this cut could lead to 4,000 pensioner deaths across the country it becomes a case of priorities. Oliver Ryan MP has failed his first significant test in representing the needs of our community and he should hang his head in shame."

Those impacted are being encouraged to apply for Pension Credit which can be done at the following link.

https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/eligibility