Social Security

Called for the shadow Secretary of State to be brought in at the end of the debate.

Asked the shadow Secretary of State about which Conservative leadership contender had called for means-testing of winter fuel allowance.

Expressed disappointment in Labour's handling of winter fuel payments, suggesting a betrayal of pensioners' trust and questioning the sincerity of change promised during elections.

Challenged the shadow Secretary of State on balancing the books, referencing previous Labour policies that led to a £22 billion financial deficit. She asked for an apology regarding pensioners' concerns about means-testing.

Asked the shadow Secretary of State about his silence on past decisions affecting pensioners, such as suspending the triple lock in 2021 and giving below-inflation increases.

Supported the right hon. Gentleman's decision to bring forward the issue of winter fuel payments, highlighting concerns raised by constituents about eligibility for pension credit and delayed benefits.

Acknowledged the difficult decision ahead regarding winter fuel payments and referenced previous financial mismanagement issues under the last Government, including capital budget raids in NHS and a backlog of £10.2 billion. She also pointed out a lack of transparency in local authority spending.

Congratulates the hon. Member on her election and questions how saving £1.1 billion by reducing pensioner benefits while spending £3 billion on replacements makes economic sense.

Welcomes the elected hon. Member, criticises the Government for taking money from vulnerable pensioners and rewarding train drivers with high salaries, and questions how to explain this to constituents.

Calls for a serious debate about total package paid to pensioners as a proportion of gross national product, criticises the Government's action against public trust, and emphasises the importance of protecting vulnerable pensioners.

Recognises the economic context of the debate, discusses the impact of energy costs on households, highlights poverty among pensioners, and questions alternative ways to raise £1.4 billion for offsetting the loss of winter fuel payment.

The Liberal Democrat MP expressed deep concern over the Chancellor's decision to cut winter fuel payments, impacting up to 2 million pensioners. She highlighted that this move is particularly harmful as energy bills are rising and vulnerable elderly individuals will face difficult choices between heating and eating. Wendy Chamberlain emphasised that treating vulnerable members of society reflects societal values and criticised the lack of compensatory measures for those affected by the cut. Additionally, she discussed the challenges faced by unpaid carers aged over 65 who provide care to others, noting the complexities around support mechanisms such as pension credit take-up rates.

During an intervention, Rebecca Harris acknowledged that tough decisions were made during the coalition government due to a serious economic crisis but stressed that they never considered cutting winter fuel payments. She implied that such drastic measures are unnecessary and unjustified.

In an intervention, Pete Wishart pointed out the disproportionate impact of the cut on Scotland due to its colder climate. He called for Scottish MPs to support a motion opposing the cut.

I am concerned that pensioners living in cold and damp homes will face higher risks of respiratory conditions, cardiovascular disease, poor mental health, dementia, and hypothermia. In 2019, the NHS spent at least £2.5 billion per year treating illnesses directly linked to these issues. I urge colleagues to work with the Department of Health and Social Care to ensure that winter planning guidance tackles fuel poverty.

The Chancellor is out of touch for robbing millions of pensioners of their winter fuel allowance, a decision with no mandate. The haste in implementing this change and the lack of scrutiny are concerning. Labour’s research from 2017 showed that up to 4,000 pensioners’ lives would be at risk if benefits were means-tested; yet now they are doing it themselves. This policy is about political calculation rather than economics.

While the current financial legacy requires emergency measures, including means-testing winter fuel payments, we must recognise that many pensioners still struggle to meet everyday needs. The poorest retain their payments, but those just above the threshold can apply for support through councils. We need a fresh approach addressing fundamental issues of pensioner poverty, such as home insulation and lower energy prices.

She warns about the medical consequences of removing winter fuel payments, highlighting increased risks for heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia, and sleep disruption leading to falls and hospitalization. She references a chief medical officer's report linking cold homes and fuel poverty to excess winter deaths.

She supports protecting the 2.1 million pensioners living in poverty, emphasising the importance of signing up for pension credit and addressing complex applications and potential dementia issues. She calls for delay to find mitigation measures as current alternatives are insufficient.

She criticises the political choice of cutting winter fuel allowance, describing it as balancing the books on pensioners' backs. She challenges Scottish Labour MPs to decide between supporting the Government and their constituents who will struggle this winter.

He argues against means-testing by highlighting poor take-up rates and issues with stigma and complex applications. He advocates for a universal approach to welfare, citing examples of pensioner poverty in his constituency due to high heating costs and poor housing.

He defends the Government's decision as unjustified, claiming it is a political tool for ideological points. He criticises the Chancellor’s alleged black hole claim while highlighting pensioner support needs.

She intervenes to challenge the conservative viewpoint, though her full contribution is not provided in the text.

McDonnell agreed with the Government on financial stability but criticised the measure's impact on the poorest, stating that a significant number of his constituents will not be able to claim benefits. He called for redistributive measures such as equalising capital gains tax and making sure the City pays its way.

Kendall explained why they had decided to means-test winter fuel payments, citing the financial mess left by the previous government and their lack of consideration for future consequences. She emphasised that this decision was made in response to a £22 billion hole in public finances.

Baldwin questioned the Secretary of State about the potential cost implications if all eligible pensioners claimed their pension credit, suggesting that it would be more expensive than the savings from axing winter fuel payments.

Robinson spoke on behalf of Northern Ireland, condemning the measure as a political choice and a matter of shame.