Torbay MP calls for Winter Fuel Payments to be backdated for local pensioners

Torbay’s Liberal Democrat MP has called on the Government to backdate the Winter Fuel Payment for local pensioners who lost out last winter.

Under the Government’s plans, all pensioners earning £35,000 a year or less will now have their Winter Fuel Payments reinstated this winter. However, those who are now eligible but lost out last winter won’t be reimbursed under the Government’s plans.

Steve has now called on the Government to backdate the support for pensioners in Torbay who were stripped of the winter fuel payment last winter and are now entitled to support this time.

The local MP said “it is the least pensioners deserve” after countless people were forced to choose between heating and eating after “the Government’s disastrous decision”.
 

Steve added:

"I welcome the Government finally recognising the disastrous impact of this policy, thanks to the relentless efforts of the Liberal Democrats and dedicated campaigners.

"My inbox has been overflowing with heartbreaking stories from pensioners in Torbay, struggling to make ends meet after their support was taken away. If the Government has truly 'listened,' they must backdate these payments to ensure those who suffered last winter receive the support they were unjustly denied.

"This is the very least pensioners deserve after the hardship they endured. My Liberal Democrat colleagues and I will keep up the pressure in Parliament—every step of the way—until the Government is forced to do the right thing."