Montgomeryshire MP Steve Witherden has voted with the Government’s controversial plan to cut winter fuel payments in what he called a “difficult decision”.

The newly elected Montgomeryshire MP voted in favour of the Labour Government’s plan to cut winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners in England and Wales, and said in a statement that constituents have “rightly argued” for “many viable alternatives”.

A Conservative motion to strike down the move was defeated by 348 votes to 228, despite it facing criticism both from opposition parties and some Labour MP’s.

Mr Witherden said: “I know and understand the strength of feeling from constituents on this issue. I also know that they are not naïve to the fact that the government has inherited an untenable financial situation from 14 years of Conservative mismanagement.

“Independent civil servants have publicly confirmed that the Conservatives had not budgeted for continuing the allowance this coming winter. 

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“While difficult decisions do need to be made, constituents have rightly argued that there are many viable alternatives open to the government – including expanding Pension Credit, phasing implementation, and creating a pensioner poverty taskforce.

“I wrote to the chancellor yesterday raising these alternatives, as well as signing a motion expressing concern that the measure was introduced without an impact assessment, nor with enough time to promote the take-up of Pension Credit.”

The plans prompted some Labour MP’s to abstain from the vote, leading to some fears of a rebellion within the party, but the vote was passed with a majority of 120.

Mr Witherden added: “I have made clear that the implementation of this measure should be delayed.

“Given our lamentable financial inheritance, however, the government is right to target winter fuel payments to those who need it, rather than spending taxpayer money on those who accept that they themselves do not.

“Pensioner poverty is a scourge. I will be working with colleagues to put in place a comprehensive fuel poverty strategy to address health inequalities among older people and ensure that those who most need support will continue to receive it.”