The Rt. Hon. Sir Kier Starmer,

Prime Minister, House of Commons, SW1.

Dear Sir Kier,     

re. Winter Fuel Allowance

We are very concerned at the government’s plans to remove the Winter Fuel Allowance from all pensioners but those on Pension Credit.

The Older Feminists Network, a UK organisation, was founded in 1982 to further and protect the interests of women and girls, particularly of older women. Mainly retired older women, we are individually involved in voluntary work of many kinds, including the care of elderly friends and relatives, thus saving our country money.

We are well placed to understand the concerns of the old and particularly of women, whose pensions tend to be lower than men’s, who fear being unable to heat their homes adequately this winter and becoming ill as a consequence.  We know that older people feel the cold more than younger people, particularly those with disabilities and with limited mobility. 

On a political level, we deplore the introduction of means testing, against Labour ethos and the resulting savings would contribute little towards the large inherited deficit.

We urge you to reconsider.

Copy to Rt. Hon. Liz Kendall, MP

Minister for Work and Pensions.