Question Labour refuses to answer about pensioners in connection with winter heating bill cuts | Politics | News

The Labour government has refused to answer a key question: how it intends to support older people with chronic illnesses who are no longer eligible for the Winter Fuel Allowance.

Tory MP for Farnham and Bordon Gregory Stafford yesterday tabled a written parliamentary question to Liz Kendall, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.

He asked: “What steps does it intend to take to support pensioners who suffer from long-term illnesses and are not entitled to pension credits over the winter?”

Only those who are entitled to certain state benefits, including pension subsidies, will continue to receive the aid.

Labour MP Emma Reynolds, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Treasury, responded on Ms Kendall’s behalf.

She said: “The Department for Work and Pensions has advised that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual timeframe. A response will be prepared and provided as soon as it is available.”

The rejection came just a day before today’s important vote in Parliament on removing the allowance for pensioners who do not receive state benefits, which had led to widespread criticism and claims that some people could become ill or die.

Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Mel Stride opened the debate in the House of Commons this afternoon.

The debate will last about an hour and a half, so a vote is expected around 3 p.m.

He told the House of Commons: “Labour candidates across the country have gloated that there is no mention in their manifesto of taking action on this particular issue.”

“But look at the last few weeks, what has happened? What has happened to integrity? What has happened to transparency? It has been thrown out the window.

“They have already broken promises and the special treaty they sought to forge with the British people based on integrity and decency has shattered into a million pieces.”

Tory MP Mark Francois expressed fears in today’s debate that older people could become ill and be hospitalised because they cannot heat their homes.

He said: “This method would be a false economy. The game is not worth the effort.”