Use Octopus Energy Windfall to Stop Winter Fuel Payment Cuts Demand Welsh Lib Dems

The Treasury is reportedly set to receive a £1.5 billion windfall from Octopus Energy. The cost of reinstating the Winter Fuel Payments for this year would be £1.4 billion.

Responding to the news, Welsh Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe David Chadwick said:

“This Labour Government must use this windfall responsibly by reinstating the Winter Fuel Payments for this year giving itself the time to come forward with a better solution for future winters. 

"Part of the problem with the crushing cuts to winter fuel payment is they have come into place just before winter, leaving millions of the most vulnerable pensioners with the terrifying prospect of choosing between heating and eating this winter. 

"The timing of Labour's decision meant pensioners didn't even have time to plan ahead with their budgets. 

“The Labour Chancellor now has the opportunity to think again and stop these hammer-blow cuts from impacting some of the most vulnerable in our society. Rachel Reeves must take it.”

ENDS