Robbie Moore MP on Winter Fuel Payment ahead of Budget

As the autumn budget looms, so does winter, and our new Labour Government’s decisions are set to leave some of Bradford’s most vulnerable residents in an incredibly precarious position.

Just weeks after the election, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment, a crucial measure which has historically helped pensioners meet rising energy costs and provided peace of mind during winter months, when fuel prices soar.

Since the Labour Government proposed this policy, I have been contacted by hundreds of pensioners across my constituency of Keighley and Ilkley as well as across the Bradford district who are incredibly concerned about its consequences.

Robbie Moore MP This Government seems to believe that pensioners can simply tighten their belts a little more, but the reality is far grimmer.

Citizens Advice and charities across the UK have warned that millions of low-income households will be forced into “impossible choices” this winter, choosing between heating their homes or putting food on the table.

In fact, data shows that in the Bradford district alone, whilst 77,165 Bradfordians were previously eligible for Winter Fuel Payments in 2022-23, the number to be eligible following Labour’s decision will be 12,534, resulting in 64,631 people losing this vital payment.

I voted against these proposals when they were put before the house in early September, and I must say it is notable that despite her recent opinion piece on this matter, Shipley’s MP Anna Dixon was the only MP in the Bradford district to vote in favour of cutting the winter fuel allowance.

To strip that away is not just a fiscal misstep; it’s a moral failing. It is for this reason that I am urging the Government to U-turn and reverse these dangerous and damaging proposals ahead of the budget next week, and I urge residents to continue signing our Keep Winter Fuel petition at www.keepwinterfuel.com.

Robbie Moore has raised concern about the impact of the Winter Fuel Payment cut (Image: PA) In the meantime, it is vital we support pensioners in every way we can. I would encourage everyone to check in on their elderly relatives and assist them in finding out whether they are eligible for the Pension Credit scheme by checking the website at www.gov.uk/pension-credit or calling the DWP on 0800 731 0469.

There is also growing concern in next week’s budget that Labour’s Government may recall money from critical regeneration projects in Keighley and Ilkley.

Under the previous Conservative Government, I fought to secure £33.6 million as part of the Towns Fund, £19.8 million through Levelling Up Round 3, £20 million as part of the Long-Term Plan and millions of pounds in community ownership funding.

These funds are unlocking projects across our area, and are designed to boost local businesses, improve our town centre, and support vital community groups.

Some of these projects are in the late stages of delivery, or nearing completion. We've seen only recently how funding from the previous Conservative Government has been able to secure the future of our Keighley and Worth Valley Railway for generations to come, through the construction of Bridge 27.

However, I am deeply concerned that unspent monies, or funds which have been ringfenced for projects in Keighley that are at their early stages, could now be recalled as part of Labour’s upcoming Autumn Budget.

Such a decision would jeopardise projects that are already well underway, and be a disaster for our town, derailing progress that has been made in revitalising our area and delivering benefits to local businesses and residents alike.

I have therefore written to the Secretary of State for Housing and Communities, Angela Rayner, and the Chancellor Rachel Reeves, urging them to ensure that any money previously allocated and ringfenced for Keighley and our wider area remains in place. Anything else would undermine the significant progress we’ve made and projects that are already making a real difference on the ground.

Robbie Moore has written to Angela Rayner and Rachel Reeves (Image: PA)

The connection between these two issues - the Winter Fuel Allowance cuts and the potential withdrawal of crucial funding streams - shows a clear pattern. Labour are failing to support those who need it most. The elderly in our communities are being left to struggle this winter, and our towns risk being held back from the progress they so desperately need.

That is why, ahead of the budget I have two key asks: reverse the decision on the Winter Fuel Allowance and provide a firm commitment to our area by ensuring no funding is withdrawn for regeneration projects.  The future of our communities, and the wellbeing of our most vulnerable residents, depends on it.

Labour has the opportunity to do the right thing for Keighley and the wider Bradford district at next week’s budget - let’s hope they take it.