Thank you to everyone who has contacted me about the future of the Winter Fuel Allowance and support for pensioners.

I support maintaining the triple lock so that the value of the State Pension is protected. I also want to see greater take-up of Pension Credit. I note that the Government is committed to working with older people’s charities and local authorities to raise awareness of this important benefit, which provides support to the poorest pensioners. I support doing so because it is vital that everyone receives the money to which they are entitled, especially pensioners. I also strongly support the extension of the Household Support Fund, which will provide local councils in England with over £420 million to help support vulnerable people in their areas, including with the cost of heating.

However, given the extremely challenging financial situation inherited from the previous Government, the new Government had to make the difficult decision to provide the Winter Fuel Allowance only to those pensioners who claim Pension Credit. While I recognise that you would like to see a different approach, there was a projected overspend in the public finances of £22 billion for this year. If unaddressed this would have increased the budget deficit for the current financial year by 25%.

I believe that, given these circumstances, the responsible thing to do is to fix the foundations of our economy and bring back economic stability. The new Government is committed to reducing debt as a share of the economy. This means that challenging trade-offs were required. The Government will set out more details about its plans when the forthcoming Budget is delivered on 30 October.

I hope that, with the promised Government assistance, local authorities will reach the many pensioners eligible for Pension Credit who could still benefit from this year’s winter fuel payments. If you are a recipient of the Winter Fuel Allowance and will be adversely affected, or know someone who will be, please do not hesitate to get in touch at vicky.foxcroft.mp@parliament.uk.

Please be assured I will continue to bear in mind the points you have raised. Thank you once again to all those who have contacted me.