COLCHESTER’S Liberal Democrats have said Labour MP Pam Cox will “live to regret” her vote to cut the Winter Fuel Allowance for nearly 10 million pensioners.

The Labour Government won a vote on Tuesday to restrict winter fuel payments to all but the poorest of pensioners on Pension Credit – meaning a fall from 11.4 million to 1.5 million people this winter.

Just one Labour MP, John Trickett, voted against the Government but 52 Labour MPs abstained.

Colchester MP Pam Cox voted in favour of cutting the Winter Fuel Allowance, which was an annual payment between £200 and £300 for fuel bills paid to all pensioners but is now only for those on Pension Credit.

That is about 11 per cent of pensioners, though it is estimated 880,000 pensioners are missing out on Pension Credit.  

Mark Cory, the Liberal Democrat deputy leader of the council, said: “This is a mis-step by our new Labour MP Pam Cox and a seriously backward decision by the Labour Government.

“I fully understand the financial mess left by the previous Government, but any Government has choices.

"During the General Election, the Lib Dems set out taxes on bankers’ bonuses, global corporations and social media companies, which would help pay for the changes needed in our country."

Mr Cory added: “Those making profits out of our country deserve to pay, not those who have given to our country for decades.

“I feel Pam Cox will live to regret voting as the party tells her. My advice would be to listen to the people and the charities warning against this move.” 

Mr Cory said it would affect more than 15,000 elderly residents in Colchester who rely on the Winter Fuel Allowance.

In response, Ms Cox said: “No Labour MP wants to means test these payments and our commitment to pensioners is steadfast.

“This Government was elected to make the tough decisions needed to fix our country for the future.

Ms Cox also said she was “very pleased” the Government had introduced more financial support for the poorest pensioners, including extending the Household Support Fund and measures to increase the uptake of Pension Credit.

She said she was “also very pleased” to see the state pension increase by more than £900 this year, and an extra £400 next year - up to £221.20 a week in the 2024 to 2025 year.  

Ms Cox said she would work with charities and other groups to help ensure everyone in Colchester received the support they are entitled to.

To check Pension Credit eligibility visit www.gov.uk/pension-credit/eligibility or call the claim line on 0800 991234.