SKIPTON MP Sir Julian Smith says he will vote against government plans to end winter fuel payments for the majority of pensioners tomorrow (Tuesday).

The future of winter fuel payments for around ten million pensioners in England and Wales, including 24,000 in Skipton and Ripon, will be decided by a vote in Parliament during an opposition day debate. The Labour government says the move is necessary to help fill a £22 billion "black hole" left by the Conservatives.

Under the Chancellor’s plans pensioners who do not claim Pension Credit will lose between £200 and £300 every year to help with their heating bills during the winter.

Conservative, Sir Julian, told a meeting of North Yorkshire Council last week that his Skipton and Ripon constituency had the highest number of people in receipt of the winter fuel allowance.

"Many do not want to be means tested, this will have an extremely negative impact on their incomes," he said.

After last week's meeting, he added: “One of the first acts of this government has been to scrap the winter fuel payment for millions of pensioners. This represents losses of up to £300 for millions of pensioners at a time when there will be a rise in the energy price cap.

“According to data from the House of Commons Library there are around 26,000 people receiving winter fuel allowance payments in Skipton and Ripon. The Chancellor's plans would mean around 24,000 pensioners in Skipton and Ripon will lose their winter fuel allowance.

“The last government successfully delivered around 12 million Winter Fuel Payments and Pensioner Cost of Living Payments to older people across the UK in December 2023. These afforded pensioners security in retirement, something I am concerned this government is not supporting. I will be sure to press the government on this matter during the vote tomorrow.”