Kier Starmer has finally admitted he was wrong! Labour have confirmed that millions more pensioners will be receiving the Winter Fuel Payment this winter after it was cruelly taken away last year. Over 20,000 pensioners in Castle Point were affected!

The Chancellor has confirmed that 9 million UK pensioners whose annual income is £35,000 or below will receive the Payment again from this winter.

The Government justification for this reversal is based on claims that the economy has somehow improved, making Winter Fuel Payments affordable again. In reality, inflation is now higher; 150,000 more people are unemployed; growth forecasts have been slashed in half, and borrowing and debt are up by more than anticipated.

Thanks to hundreds of thousands of people signing up to the Conservative petition, sharing content on social media and voicing their concerns, the Government has been forced to concede their position. As a result our elderly neighbours throughout Castle Point and the UK will not have to choose between eating and heating their homes this winter.

Commenting after the announcement, Rebecca said: "I know the Winter Fuel Payment is a lifeline to many pensioners, and while I am pleased that this decision has been made - Labour should have never taken it away in the first place. This short sighted cut caused great harm. 50,000 pensioners were plunged into poverty this winter, and 100,000 extra pensioners ended up in A&E this winter. Their mistake has harmed people.

"Even when the Prime Minister announced his U-turn he was unable to reveal how it would be paid for, and crucially, the Government have failed to provide the full details on how pensioners will be able to claim. My Conservative colleagues and I will be following this closely and scrutinising the Government's plans when they are finally brought forward."

If you or a loved one are still concerned about meeting energy costs this winter, Rebecca wants to make sure every single pensioner in Castle Point who is eligible is receiving Pension Credit.

Rebecca has long campaigned for the uptake of Pension Credit, as many people assume it is automatic and that you don’t have to apply for it so they never check, only to discover they can receive thousands of pounds in support when they do. The DWP estimates that £1.7 billion of Pension Credit went unclaimed in 2021/22.

You can check your eligibility and make a claim by calling: 0800 99 1234 Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm. Or by visiting: www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim Please share this information with anybody you know over the state pension age as they may be eligible.