BASINGSTOKE'S MP has voted in favour of plans to cut winter fuel payments for the majority of pensioners.

Luke Murphy, who won the Basingstoke seat for Labour on July 4, voted for the party's proposed removal of the winter fuel payment for some pensioners.

The vote, held at 3pm on September 10, saw a Conservative motion to annul the Government's cuts defeated by 348 votes to 228 with a majority of 120, in the House of Commons.

 

READ MORE: Residents have their say on changes to winter fuel payments

The payments, provided by the Department for Work and Pensions, were first introduced in 1997 for pensioners in the UK to help with the cost of heating bills.

However, plans announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in July would see the winter fuel payment limited to only those claiming pension credit or other means-tested benefits.

In Basingstoke, more than 30,000 pensioners were eligible for the annual payment before cuts were announced, but under the new restrictions, 28,000 won't receive the payment. 

In a statement made by Luke Murphy on social media, the politician said voting to cut services 'isn't a decision I wanted to make'.

He added that he appreciates there are 'people who fall just outside the pension credit threshold but can't be described as well-off who will be affected by this decision'.

"You may not be satisfied with my answer, but I hope you understand the position we've been forced into and appreciate that I am doing what I can to ensure those pensioners who really need this support are still able to get it," Mr Murphy concluded.

The cuts are expected to save the Government more than £1.4billion this financial year with the number of pensioners in receipt of the up to £300 payment this year reduced by 10 million.