Comment

No stone unturned

Chipping Barnet MP Dan Tomlinson’s pledge to families in financial need following this week’s Winter Fuel vote

Portrait image of Chipping Barnet MP Dan Tomlinson
Dan Tomlinson MP – (Credit – parliament.uk)

The Labour government is still in its early days, and I know many of my constituents in Chipping Barnet are hopeful that a new injection of ideas and energy in Westminster will make a difference for us here locally.

Ours is a discerning and thoughtful electorate, as I found last weekend knocking on doors in Totteridge. The overwhelming response I received was an understanding that the government has inherited a set of difficult circumstances and a desire to “wait and see” how, and when, Labour could turn it around. People know that change doesn’t happen overnight.

Part of turning things around involves reckoning with the financial disaster we inherited from the Conservatives. Debt at a record high. Financial chaos as budgets were being overspent all over the place. And public services creaking under the strain of deep cuts, like our prisons that are full to overflowing and an NHS in crisis. Problems ignored, as the Tories instead did a cut and run to a general election.

It’s our job to fix the foundations so we can build a better future. And that starts with closing the £22 billion black hole inherited from the Tories, and the painful decision to means test the Winter Fuel Payment is part of that. We can’t rack up more and more debt, passing on burdens to future generations and risking financial instability. This new government is turning the page on that Tory approach to economics.

But be in no doubt – we remain steadfast in our commitment to pensioners. The new state pension increased by £900 in April and will rise by £460 next April. The triple lock is safe with Labour. Energy bills are £117 lower this year than last winter. And for those who are struggling financially, we have extended the vital Household Support Fund for six months.

And every pensioner in receipt of Pension Credit will still receive the Winter Fuel Payment. I recognise that times are tough. But the accusation that Labour will force pensioners to choose between heating and eating is just plain wrong. 

As our local MP, my commitment to you is simple: my team and I will leave no stone unturned when it comes to helping those facing hardship. Families of any age who are struggling can always get in touch. We can point you towards support available from the council or government, contact energy companies on your behalf, and implore agencies who are too slow in processing claims to hurry up. If we can help, we will.

I grew up in a family with very little money, but it was the previous Labour government that gave my family a bedrock of financial and social security which provided the springboard for my life and career. My life’s work has been spent on improving living standards for families, and as your MP that work continues.

Government in hard times is hard. But I firmly believe a brighter future is possible. This government is taking the necessary steps to get us there and I will give my all to serving and supporting this community.


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