The NPC is bringing together major UK campaigners and charities to tell MPs why cutting universal winter fuel payments will be a death sentence for many older and vulnerable people this winter.
We are inviting all 650 MPs to a Lobby of Parliament from 2pm to 4pm on Monday 7th October to hear evidence on the true impact of the government’s decision to restrict the payment to those on pension credit. A move the Treasury says will see the number of people receiving help with their energy bills people in England and Wales drop from 11.4 million to 1.5 million.
NPC Lobby of Parliament – Monday 7th October 2024
2-4pm, Committee Room 10, House of Commons***
The NPC, the UK’s largest campaigning organisation run for and by older people, believes ending universal support will tragically lead to many falling ill and thousands dying. And we are far from alone – we will be joined at the Lobby by among others, Age UK*, Disability Rights UK, Independent Age, the WASPI campaign, and Fuel Poverty Action, and as well as unions like Unite, who are calling for the cuts to be reversed, or at least delayed. There will also be protests in Northern Ireland, and in Scotland led by the Scottish Pensioners’ forum.
Jan Shortt, NPC General Secretary said, “It is testament to the seriousness of this issue that so many organisations and groups, representing so many sectors of our society will be taking part in this important Lobby of Parliament.
“The impact of the cuts will not just plunge up to another two million older and vulnerable people further into poverty (Age UK), it will undoubtedly result in deaths as many are too frightened to turn on their heating or eat hot food.
“The NPC was heartened by the trade unions vote at this week’s Labour Party Conference, led by Unite the Union which called on the government to reverse this damaging decision. While we know the vote was non-binding, so it couldn’t force a reversal of policy, it is indicative of the strength of feeling within the party and across society as a whole.”
Jan thanks the MPs of all parties, and the trade unions - including CWU, CSPA, PCS, and GMB – who have spoken out against the end of universal payments.
Public Rally – 12pm, George V Statue, Abingdon St
She added: “I hope MPs, and crucially the government, hear our pleas on 7th October to at least delay the decision, and meet with those who understand the pressures on our oldest and most vulnerable to find another way through. It’s not too late.”
The government won a vote earlier this month on its plans to remove winter fuel payments, worth around £200-300, from older and vulnerable people in England and Wales who are not on pension credit, or a handful of other entitlements. The decision is expected to save the government around £1.3bn in 2024/25.
*Age UK’s petition against the cuts already has more than half a million signatures – you can still sign here: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/our-impact/campaigning/save-the-winter-fuel-payment/)
ENDS
Download the press release
Registration to attend the Lobby now closed.
***We received great interested for people to attend the Lobby inside Parliament and the registration has now been closed as we have reached capacity. Friends and colleagues can still attend the Rally by The George V Statue from 12noon – 1:15pm. If we are informed that registered attendees cannot attend, there may be spaces that become available.
Don't forget that you can also Green Card you MP. This is a request to meet with your constituency MP on the day and to meet them in the Central Lobby of Parliament. Please inform you MP in advance of the day that you would like to meet them. The Green Card registration opens in Parliament at 2:30pm
Please note that no one will be allowed into Parliament with banners, or with items with political slogans on, such as signs, badges, t-shirts etc. You must also have photo ID.
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