GLASTONBURY and Somerton's newest MP has taken a stand against the government's decision to cut pensioner's Winter Fuel Payments this year.

Sarah Dyke MP believes "a rethink is urgently needed" so that pensioners can get the support they need.

Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey has announced his party is tabling a motion to block the government’s proposed cut to Winter Fuel Payments as soon as Parliament returns from recess next week. 

It comes as analysis by the Liberal Democrats shows that pensioners are expected to take a £670 hit this winter due to the rise in the energy price cap, the end to the Pensioner Cost of Living Payment, and the government’s cuts to the winter fuel allowance coming into effect. 

Age UK has said that two million pensioners will find paying their energy bills a real stretch and will be seriously hit by this cut.

According to the government’s own figures, 800,000 of the lowest-income pensioners are eligible for Pension Credit but do not get it, meaning they will lose their Winter Fuel Payments.

Commenting on her decision, Sarah Dyke MP said: "It is well known that Somerset has a much older population than the national average.

"This means Labour’s proposed cut will hit us harder and put a disproportionate burden on our public services.

"This is compounded by the fact that rural areas like Glastonbury and Somerton rely on off-grid gas supplies to heat our homes and our houses tend to be less energy-efficient."

It is reported that in 2022, households in rural areas had the highest rate of fuel poverty, at 15.9% compared with 11.1% in those urban areas.

Sarah said: "The government has said that those with the 'broadest shoulders should bear the heavier burden', so it cannot be right that Somerset has to bear the brunt of these changes simply because we are a rural area with an older population.

"I understand that the government faces difficult choices given the appalling mess left by the Conservative Party.

"I believe a rethink is urgently needed so that poorer and vulnerable pensioners continue to get the support they need."