At Vitality Home Health we are deeply concerned about the major changes made by the Government to the Winter Fuel Allowance. As such, we are doing everything we can to protect our vulnerable seniors.
Our Director of Operations recently wrote to Laura Trott, MP for Sevenoaks & Swanley to voice our concerns. Here is Debbie’s email and the response from Laura.
To: laura.trott.mp@parliament.uk
From: debbie@vitalityhomehealth.co.uk
I hope this email finds you well?
I am very sorry to have to write this email to you voicing my abhorrence at Rachel Reeves decision to withdraw the Winter Fuel Allowance to people who she deems can keep warm without it!
Having worked within the care industry for the last 30 years, I know first hand the difficulties the cold imposes on people and I am at a total loss as to why Mrs Reeves thinks that this is acceptable?
We are a domiciliary care company supporting people within your constituency and this is a devastating blow to them. These people have mostly worked their whole lives, paying into the system and now when they require support they are having to dig deep into their pockets to pay not only for their care as well as keeping warm throughout the winter months. The Winter Fuel Allowance really did make a difference to them.
I propose to put together an online petition for this to be reinstated and I look for your permission.
Very happy to discuss further and looking forward to a positive response.
To: debbie@vitalityhomehealth.co.uk
From: laura.trott.mp@parliament.uk
I too am deeply disappointed by the needless decision of this Labour Government to scrap the Winter Fuel Payment, and I share your frustration. The decision will result in millions of pensioners losing up to £300, unless they receive Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits. As a former Pensions Minister, I am very concerned about the wider impact of this choice. Pensioners are often some of the most vulnerable in society and, as you say, will have worked and contributed to this country their entire lives.
Through strong action since 2010, such as introducing the triple lock, we managed to reduce the number of pensioners in poverty, with 200,000 fewer pensioners now living in absolute poverty. However, many pensioners, particularly those relying solely on the State Pension, still do not receive Pension Credit despite being eligible, something I worked hard to remedy when working at the Department. These vulnerable individuals will now face the impossible choice between heating and eating during the winter months, a decision that no one should ever have to make.
In regard to your comments about the possibly of creating a petition, Age UK have already done this, and are calling for the full reinstatement of Winter Fuel Payments for all pensioners. I would encourage you to support, sign and share this petition, which you can do at this website: https://campaigns.
Please be assured that I will continue to challenge this decision and will always stand up for pensioners in the House of Commons. The Conservatives have always protected and will always protect the most vulnerable: that has been our track record since 2010, and that is what we will continue to do in opposition.
We urge everyone to please sign the Age UK petition and help us get the Winter Fuel Allowance reinstated as soon as possible.
