Cost of Living: Support for Pensioners

The Oral Question session in the House of Commons focused on the fiscal steps the government is taking to support pensioners with the cost of living. Several Liberal Democrat MPs, including Helen Morgan, Steve Darling, and Caroline Voaden, raised concerns about the impact of the government's decision to make the winter fuel payment more targeted, which would result in the loss of this vital support for many pensioners in their constituencies. In response, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, highlighted the government's commitment to the triple lock, which has resulted in the state pension being worth £900 more than it was a year ago. She acknowledged the difficult decisions the government has had to make to address the £22 billion black hole in the public finances inherited from the previous government. Reeves explained that the decision to make the winter fuel payment more targeted would save around £1.5 billion a year to support public finances, but assured that pensioners who need it most will still receive it alongside pension credit. The Liberal Democrat MPs followed up, expressing concerns about the impact on their constituents, particularly those living in older, less energy-efficient homes. They urged the Chancellor to reconsider the decision or provide additional support to vulnerable pensioners. Reeves reiterated the government's efforts to encourage the uptake of pension credit and ensure that the poorest pensioners are receiving the support they are entitled to. Other Labour MPs, such as Sam Rushworth and Peter Swallow, also raised concerns about the impact on pensioners in their constituencies, particularly those living in fuel poverty. Reeves acknowledged the challenges faced by these pensioners and highlighted the government's commitment to insulate an additional 5 million homes during this Parliament to help reduce energy bills and keep homes warmer. The session also saw an intervention from Conservative MP Laura Trott, who questioned the Chancellor's previous stance on means-testing the winter fuel payment. Reeves defended the government's actions, emphasizing the need to address the financial challenges inherited from the previous administration and ensure that support is targeted to those who need it most.