In a significant vote held in the House of Commons earlier today (10 September), most MPs from Coventry and Warwickshire supported the government’s controversial cut to the Winter Fuel Allowance. The measure, which has sparked widespread debate, will limit financial support for fuel bills to only the poorest pensioners.
This was a key vote for many newly elected MPs representing areas such as Nuneaton, North Warwickshire, and Bedworth, marking their first major decision in Parliament.
A Conservative motion to block the government’s proposal was defeated by a substantial majority, with 348 votes against and 228 in favour. One of the notable local MPs who voted to support the Tory motion was Zarah Sultana, MP for Coventry South. Sultana, now an independent after losing the Labour whip, was among those opposing the cuts, aligning herself with those seeking to maintain broader financial assistance for pensioners.
Under the new policy, which has now been approved, only pensioners on means-tested benefits, such as Pension Credit, will qualify for assistance with their winter fuel bills. Previously, all individuals over the age of 66 were eligible for the allowance.
It was also noted that 53 Labour MPs were absent from the vote. For those wondering how their own representative voted, a tool is available below to check whether their MP supported or opposed the Tory amendment designed to halt the cut.
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