Stevenage MP defends decision to back winter fuel payment cuts

Mr Bonavia cited the “£22 billion deficit” left by the previous Conservative government as a decisive factor in his decision to ensure the financial position of the country was not “wrecked”.

MP Kevin Bonavia wishes to reassure pensioners following the vote. (Image: Christopher Day/Newsquest)

The government won the vote on the plan to restrict the payments to all but the poorest pensioners by 348 votes to 228 - a majority of 120.

Conservative councillors, including election candidate Alex Clarkson, have since written to Mr Bonavia highlighting the impact this would have on the Stevenage constituency.

The councillors described Labour’s decision as “cold-hearted” and “callous.”

The letter cites Gov.uk data and Channel 4 FactCheck analysis, and says over 10,000 pensioner households in Stevenage, Knebworth, Codicote, Datchworth and Aston are at risk of losing their winter fuel allowance.

Out of the 10,000 pensioners in the constituency, it is estimated “88 per cent” will lose their allowance.

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Cllr Alex Clarkson was among Conservative party members that addressed a letter to the Stevenage MP. (Image: Alex Clarkson)

In direct response to MP Bonavia, the letter read: “Today’s Conservative motion to strike down the move entirely was predictably defeated, but with 54 Labour MPs voting or abstaining from the motion.

“You, though, were not one of them. Instead, you voted to ‘target’ Stevenage pensioners, in your own words.”

MP Bonavia described the Conservative letter as a “social media stunt” suggesting it was an attempt to “score political points”.

He added, “The decision to vote to target Winter Fuel Payments specifically to pensioners on Pension Credit was a difficult one.”

“I listened to a variety of views from residents: some worried about the effect on pensioners’ budgets, some saying the Winter Fuel Allowance should not be paid to pensioners fortunate enough not to need it and others worried about how to help younger people who are unable to meet their own fuel costs.”

The MP reassured the Stevenage community and surrounding villages that he will “lead a campaign” to ensure all pensioners can access help - if required - in the coming weeks.

He has also invited Conservative councillors to work alongside him to ensure anyone entitled to pension credit that is not enrolled can access support to do so.

Mr Bonavia added: “Labour’s commitment to the triple lock on pensions will deliver a significant payment increase next April adding to the increase already secured this year, with further support coming through the warm homes plan, energy policies and the household support fund extension.

“An open letter doesn’t fix the foundations of our economy, support our pensioners and improve our country after it was wrecked after 14 years of Conservative rule. Decisive action to clean up the mess they left will."