A CHARITY which supports older people in the Bradford district has voiced concerns over cuts to winter fuel payments.

On Tuesday, the Government won a vote on its plans to remove winter fuel payments from 10 million pensioners in England and Wales.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves (Lab, Leeds west and Pudsey) insisted it was right to means-test the benefit, worth up to £300, in order to address the "black hole" in the public finances. 

But Age UK Bradford District expressed "incredible concern" about the decision, saying it would have a "very real adverse impact on older people".

A spokesperson from the charity said: "Winter is coming and we fear it will be a deeply challenging one for millions of older people, including thousands across the Bradford district who have previously relied on their winter fuel payment to help pay their energy bills and who have no obvious alternative source of funds on which to draw. 

"We urge the Government to provide support for those many people who will be adversely affected."

Keighley and Ilkley's Robbie Moore joined other MPs who opposed measures to cut winter fuel payments Keighley and Ilkley Tory MP Robbie Moore joined other politicians who opposed the cuts this week (Image: UGC)

The decision means that only those on Pension Credit or some other benefits in England and Wales will receive winter fuel payments, saving around £1.5 billion a year.

How Bradford district MPs voted

Anna Dixon, Labour MP for Shipley, voted in favour of winter fuel payment cuts.

Ms Dixon said: "As someone who has worked on public health and older people, latterly as chief executive of a national ageing charity, I am aware of the impact of fuel poverty on health and the pattern of pensioner poverty.

"I recognise the dire financial situation the new Government has inherited as a direct result of the economic mismanagement of the previous Government. 

"Hard choices must be made and I therefore do not oppose an end to the universalism of winter fuel payments.

"However, I am concerned about those who are eligible but not in receipt of Pension Credit, those who are just above the pension credit threshold, and those with disability and health conditions that are living in cold homes.

"I was speaking to a resident in a sheltered housing scheme in Cottingley at the weekend. 

"The elderly gentleman didn't know if he was eligible for Pension Credit and was not sufficiently mobile to attend a local community centre to get advice. 

"Age UK reports that uptake remains low at only 60 per cent. 

"In my constituency of Shipley there are estimated to be 1,160 eligible pensioners not claiming Pension Credit. 

"These vulnerable people will not benefit from winter fuel allowance this winter."

Ms Dixon said she had secured a commitment from ministers that they would do all they could to boost the uptake of Pension Credit.

She added: "Everyone should speak to their family members and friends to check if they are entitled to Pension Credit or other benefits and support them in applying."

A spokesperson for Naz Shah, Labour MP for Bradford West, said: "Naz was unable to vote on the matter due to being unwell.
 
"She is firmly committed to protecting the triple lock for pensioners, leading to a £900 increase in pensions this year alone.
 
"By means-testing winter fuel allowances, the Government can address the financial shortfall and black hole left by the previous Government. 

"Naz is dedicated to ensuring that those who need the winter fuel allowance will be able access to it."

Judith Cummins, Labour MP for Bradford South and also a Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, did not vote. Speakers must be politically impartial.

Imran Hussain, Independent MP for Bradford East, did not vote. He had not responded to requests for a comment by the time of publication.

Robbie Moore, Conservative MP for Keighley and Ilkley MP, voted against the cuts.

He said: "To strip this support away is not just a fiscal misstep, it is a moral failing.

"The Government may speak of tough choices, but after this vote, the real tough choice will be for pensioners - whether to heat their homes or go without."

Mel Stride, Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, dismissed the Chancellor's claim that the Tories had left a £22bn "black hole" in the public finances - describing this as a "complete myth".