Luke Myer, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, has welcomed the Government’s decision to raise the income threshold for Winter Fuel Payments – a move that will see millions more pensioners eligible for support this winter.

The announcement marks a change in direction following the recent means-testing of the payment. The revised threshold will ensure that more low and middle-income pensioners receive help with energy costs, particularly as colder months approach.

Luke Myer said:

“This is a welcome change and I’m pleased the Government has listened – not just to backbench MPs but, more importantly, to the public.

“At the time the change was introduced, I said the threshold was too low and risked excluding pensioners who were just about managing. Raising the threshold is the right thing to do and I’m glad ministers have taken that feedback on board.”

The change is expected to be confirmed in Parliament by the Chancellor at the next fiscal event. Mr Myer said he would continue to work constructively with Government colleagues to make sure policy decisions reflect the realities faced by people in Teesside and beyond.