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Nottinghamshire Labour MPs defend vote to cut winter fuel allowance

By Jamie Waller, Local Democracy Reporter

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Two Nottinghamshire Labour MPs who voted to cut the winter fuel allowance have defended the decision as opponents told them they should be ashamed of the move.

Gedling MP Michael Payne and Sherwood MP Michelle Welsh were among those who voted for a government policy to restrict the payments to pensioners earlier this month.

Both spoke about their reasons for supporting the cut during a debate at Nottinghamshire County Council, where they both also sit as councillors.

During the meeting a motion condemning the government cut passed by 44 votes to 13, with Conservatives and Independents saying Labour “should be ashamed” of the decision.

They warned many elderly people would face to a choice between heating and eating this winter.

Just over 200,000 pensioners in the county received between £100 and £300 towards their heating bills in 2023 to get them through the colder months.

However, 147,000 who aren’t on means-tested benefits will miss out this year, according to council figures.

Labour MPs in Parliament were ordered to vote against a motion condemning the change last month, with the majority – including all of Nottinghamshire’s MPs – obeying the whip. 

Ms Welsh, who was elected in July, told the meeting: “It wasn’t an easy decision when we walked through that lobby. It does keep me up at night and make me worry.

“There is a safety net missing for pensioners, and I wrote to Chancellor Rachel Reeves before the vote about my concerns. I will carry on pushing that.”

Mr Payne said: “The previous Labour government lifted millions of pensioners out of poverty – if we haven’t done that by the end of Parliament, I will come back and apologise.”

“Nobody wants to see a single pensioner die this year [because of the cut]. I will do whatever I can in every waking moment as an MP and councillor to support those struggling.”

The Labour government says it had been forced to make the drastic cut in order to bridge a £22bn blackhole left by the previous administration.

Responding to Mr Payne, Councillor Sam Smith (Con) said: “Actions speak louder than words. We’ve heard his words but what did he do? He voted to cut the allowance.

“Shame on you. This will have a devastating impact on residents.”

Independent Councillor Steve Carr, who proposed the motion, told the meeting: “People I speak to are frightened about losing a lifeline. This policy is using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.”

He warned the NHS and the council’s care services would face even greater demand from pensioners this winter because of the cut.