PCS supports lobby demanding Winter Fuel Payments are restored

PCS ARMs members will attend the National Pensioners' Convention (NPC) lobby of Parliament on Monday 7 October to support the growing campaign to restore the Winter Fuel Allowance.

The decision of the Labour government to end this payment will affect over 2.5 million pensioners, with estimates suggesting such a cut could result in thousands of deaths. PCS has been vocal in its condemnation of this policy decision, as has the wider trade union movement, with last month's TUC passing a motion calling for this universal benefit to be restored. 

The National Pensioners Convention, to which PCS is affiliated, has arranged a lobby in Westminster on 7 October, the date of the next Work and Pensions oral questions session, where this policy decision is likely to come under more scrutiny. MPs from across the political spectrum are demanding Labour at least pause the decision, allowing time for proper consultation as well as an equality impact assessment to be carried out. Newly elected MP, and member of the PCS parliamentary group, Neil Duncan-Jordan, has also tabled Early Day Motion 115, which calls for such action. 

PCS has launched an e-action for members to sign which calls on MPs to support the motion as well as urging them to write to the Chancellor ahead of the October 30 Budget.

ARMs members who wish to attend the lobby of parliament can contact their regional/nation secretaries for further information. Contact details can be found on page 13 of Up in ARMs. Spaces are limited.