DISCRETIONARY ELEMENT OF THE WINTER FUEL ALLOWANCE

Early day motion 2010, tabled 29 June 2011 by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick (Social Democratic and Labour Party). Signed by 31 members.

That this House is concerned that the Government is not preserving the discretionary element of the winter fuel allowance; recognises that this vital support will be reduced by 50 for the over-60s and 100 for the over-80s in 2011-12; notes that this reduction in winter fuel allowance, alongside rising fuel prices, will add to the financial predicament of older people and threaten their wellbeing; acknowledges evidence that for every 1 spent on relieving poverty 42 pence will be recouped in health and wellbeing savings; and calls on the Government to maintain the discretionary element of the winter fuel allowance as part of the response to both fuel poverty and pensions poverty.

Signatures by party: Labour 20, DUP 4, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, Alliance 1, Green 1, Independent 1, Scottish National Party 1.