THE Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Romsey and Southampton North is calling on the government to “rethink plans to cut the £300 Winter Fuel Payment".

Geoff Cooper has said that it is estimated that more than 20,000 living within the Romsey constituency will lose their payment.

The Lib Dems intend to bring a motion to Parliament to block the government’s plans to scrap the proposal. The motion is backed by all 72 Liberal Democrat MPs and Mr Cooper is calling on others to join them and ensure that vulnerable pensioners are protected.

Mr Cooper said; “Pensioners across our constituency are worried about losing this vital support and how they will afford their energy bills this winter.

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Geoff CooperGeoff Cooper (Image: Contributed)

“Stripping support from many of the poorest pensioners, just as energy bills are set to rise again, is simply wrong. Once again, many of our elderly and most vulnerable residents could be faced with having to choose between eating and heating this winter.

“Whilst I acknowledge there will be some pensioners who can comfortably survive without the Winter Fuel Payments, there are many, many more who cannot. The government’s methodology for cutting payments based on Pension Credits, is too simplistic. From Shipton Bellinger in the north to Swaythling in the south, thousands of pensioners across our constituency will be left struggling to pay their energy bills by this cut. 

“Normally, I would appeal to our MP to stand with the Liberal Democrats and oppose the government plans. Unfortunately, as Deputy Speaker, our MP is unable to vote on such matters and will not be able to influence the outcome.

“Instead, I will do all I can to appeal to those who still have a voice in Parliament, to back the Lib Dem motion and do everything possible to block these plans, which could cause immense financial hardship for many in our community.”