Local MP Sarah McCarthy-Fry has teamed up with Labour’s Pensions Secretary James Purnell to alert local pensioners to extra money announced in the recent Budget.  On top of the Winter Fuel Payment, next winter local pensioners will now be eligible for an additional payment of £100 to over-80s households and £50 to over-60s households to help with fuel bills.

New figures reveal that in Portsmouth North constituency this will mean 16,090 people stand to get a total winter fuel payment for their household of at least £250 while 3,610 can claim £400 to help keep warm.

Sarah McCarthy-Fry MP said that everyone should be aware of their entitlement:

“Labour has always been committed to provide dignity in retirement for pensioners. Hundreds of pensioners here in Portsmouth North will benefit from extra cash to pay their heating bills this year.  I want to make sure everyone gets the money they are due. If you received a winter fuel payment last year you should automatically receive one this year. But if you are in any doubt you should call 08459 15 15 15”

“David Cameron and the Tories fought tooth and nail against these payments saying that pensioners didn’t want them. The Liberal Democrats dismissed the Winter Fuel Payment as a ‘gimmick of a policy’. Regardless of what they say, these additional payments will be a welcome help to local pensioners.”

James Purnell MP, Labour’s Secretary of State for Work and Pensions joined Sarah McCarthy-Fry MP to highlight the bonus for local people:

“Before 1997 there was no Winter Fuel Allowance. Since then Labour’s winter fuel payment has seen over £14 billion awarded to pensioners. Next winter we are giving extra help to meet the cost of keeping warm. None of this would have been achieved without local Labour MPs who have campaigned hard for pensioners.”