Press release: Glasgow MP urges wider Winter Fuel Payment eligibility to combat virus

Glasgow East MP David Linden has called upon the Prime Minster to do more to support the millions of people across the UK in fuel poverty, particularly as the COVID-19 crisis looks to continue into the Winter months.

This call for assistance with fuel payments comes after recent Government figures which state that 2.4 million households across the United Kingdom are in fuel poverty. With the Winter months approaching, the Academy of Medical Sciences has offered a stern warning, reporting that in homes where the temperature is less than 18°C, the COVID-19 virus will thrive.

With limitations on the Government’s Warm Home Discount and the current Winter Fuel Payment excluding Universal Credit claimants, millions of households may still be at risk of fuel poverty during the pandemic.

Challenging the Prime Minister in the House of Commons today, Glasgow East MP said the Government have a ‘responsibility’ to help those most at risk of fuel poverty this Winter.

Speaking from the House of Commons, David Linden MP said:

"With 2.4 million households in the UK facing fuel poverty this winter, a figure that will only be exacerbated by the pandemic, it is necessary that we help to protect those most vulnerable from the worst effects of the pandemic.

"The combination of the COVID-19 crisis, a looming recession and a hard Tory Brexit will only push more people into fuel poverty, suffering greatly as we approach the winter months.

"I have had many constituents in touch to discuss how COVID-19 has impacted them and their livelihoods. By offering this winter fuel payment the Government would help to alleviate some of the most pressing economic stressors of those most impacted by the pandemic.

"The Prime Minister and this Government has a responsibility to protect those most vulnerable to fuel poverty, as such the COVID-19 winter fuel payment will help protect those households currently at risk during the pandemic."