"I am concerned about women such as Barbara", says Anna Dixon at winter fuel debate

Anna Dixon has raised her concern about the impact the proposed changes to Winter Fuel Payments will have on her constituents in a Westminster Hall debate today.

The Shipley MP spoke about Barbra, a resident in her constituency who will be impacted by the changes, and asked the government what other plans they have to tackle fuel poverty this winter.

Ms Dixon said:

"I thank my hon. Friend for securing the debate. Like many in the House, I have been touched by some of the tragic correspondence I have received about those who are being impacted.

"I am concerned about women such as Barbara, a carer in my constituency who looks after her husband, who has dementia.

"I echo my hon. Friend’s comments about the need to protect people who have a disability, ill health or chronic conditions, because we know that fuel poverty and cold homes exacerbate those conditions.

"Does she agree that we must urge the NHS, in its winter planning guidance, to do more to work with others to tackle fuel poverty, and to target vulnerable people so they do not go cold this winter? "

Rachael Maskell, the Labour MP for York Central, continued:

"I welcome my hon. Friend’s expertise, and she is right: the NHS is where this issue will present itself. It is already under huge pressure, so we have to find a way out of this issue.

"We have all had the emails, the handwritten letters and the people queuing up, pleading—I certainly have.

"These pensioners have worked hard all of their lives. Some have put a little bit aside; others have not. Winter is always a challenge.

"This Government must have the capacity to find another way. People put their hope in Labour because, like me, we believe that it exists to fight for working people, to protect the poor and to seek justice, equality and fairness.

"I know that the Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, my hon. Friend the Member for Wycombe (Emma Reynolds), does too. "