Davey: Cutting winter fuel allowance is Government’s ‘first big mistake’

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey has said his party will attempt to block the Government’s proposed move to end the winter fuel allowance to some pensioners, describing the move as the new administration’s “first big mistake”. The Government have got a legacy from the Conservatives which is really, really tough, but I don't think the way to balance the books is to take away this crucial support for millions of pensioners, just as we're going into winter when fuel bills are going up Ed Davey, Lib Dems “It looks like the Government’s first big mistake, and I think pensioners will be going into this winter, really worried if Parliament doesn’t stop the Government from doing this.” Sir Ed said the party would be attempting to call for a vote on the measure in the two weeks after the Commons returns before going on recess again for party conference season. Let’s be frank about that, the Government have got a legacy from the Conservatives which is really, really tough, but I don’t think the way to balance the books is to take away this crucial support for millions of pensioners, just as we’re going into winter when fuel bills are going up.” As well as the expected rise in fuel costs coming into the winter months, the average household energy bill is to increase by £149 from October after Ofgem said it was increasing its price cap. “So, yeah, give the Chancellor the chance to think again, I’m sure she’s big enough to do that.” Charity Age UK said it “strongly” opposes means-testing the payment because it means “as many as two million pensioners who badly need the money to stay warm this winter will not receive it and will be in serious trouble as a result”.