Hartlepool MP Jonathan Brash reveals he 'agonised' over 'difficult decision' of supporting winter fuel payment cuts
Hartlepool's MP has reiterated it was the "correct decision" to axe winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners - but stressed the threshold for claimants must be raised to allow more to receive the support.
Jonathan Brash was one of 348 Labour MPs who voted last month to block a Conservative motion to annul the Government cuts.
It means households will no longer be entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment unless they receive Pension Credit or certain other means-tested benefits.
Mr Brash, speaking at the latest full Hartlepool Borough Council meeting, said he “agonised over” the “difficult decision”.
However, after receiving a commitment from ministers that the threshold would be review, it made him feel “it was possible to vote for it”.
He added: “Handing out public money in a cost of living crisis to the wealthy is morally wrong, it is right to means test.
“However, the threshold is too low.
“I believe it was the correct decision to put us on a sound financial footing for the investment that is coming, some of it very soon both to Hartlepool and our region.”
He added he has written, alongside council officers, to more than 500 pensioners in Hartlepool identified as being “potentially” eligible for Pension Credit.
It came after a motion was raised by Conservative and independent councillors calling for the council to take “necessary steps to advocate for the blanket reinstatement of the Winter Fuel Payment for all pensioners”.
However, Labour councillors proposed an amended motion, which was approved, requesting group leaders sign a joint letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer calling for a review and raising of the threshold.