WREXHAM'S MP has explained his decision to vote to cut the winter fuel payment for thousands of pensioners in the area.

Andrew Ranger MP was among hundreds of Labour MPs to vote against the Tories' attempts to block the controversial policy. Over 50 Labour MPs abstained from voting.

People in England and Wales not in receipt of pension credit or other means-tested benefits will lose out under the Government’s policy. It is expected to reduce the number of pensioners in receipt of the up to £300 payment by 10 million, from 11.4 million to 1.5 million, saving around £1.4 billion this year.

In Wrexham, 22,000 pensioners are set to lose the payment.

Andrew Ranger MP said in a statement: "After this week's vote in Parliament on the Winter Fuel Payment, I wanted to explain why I voted with the government.

"Firstly, let me stress that this was not a straightforward decision for me, and it was only this week following meetings with the Chancellor, other ministers and colleagues that I made my decision – one I know that some people will not agree with. It was not a decision that any Labour MP wanted to make.

"I completely understand that for some pensioners the change to the Winter Fuel Payment will be a matter of serious concern, and I am determined to do all I can to ensure that those who are impacted the most in Wrexham will get the support and help that they are entitled to."

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He continued: "The new government inherited a broken economy and public services stretched beyond breaking point. It took the last government 14 years to reach this point and fixing the mess they left behind will not happen overnight. The first priority must be to bring stability to the economy so that we can start seeing investment into the country which will mean more jobs, higher wages and allow us to fix the public services that all of us rely on.

"After many meetings and discussions with minsters and others in the government over the past few weeks, I have been convinced that the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment are a necessary part of addressing the £22bn shortfall in the nations finances this year. We cannot be like the previous government and continue to kick hard decisions into the long grass. We are all still feeling the effects of their inaction and recklessness. It is essential that when resources are limited that they are targetted at those the most in need."

(Image: Newsquest)

Mr Ranger said the government is committed to protecting the triple lock on pensions. The triple lock saw the new state pension rise by over £900 this year, and a further rise will be announced at the budget next month, he said. And because of the commitment to the triple lock, pensions are projected to increase by over £1,700 over the course of this parliament.

Mr Ranger added: "In Wrexham, I am determined to ensure that people can access the support they need – access denied to them by the previous government – over 800,000 pensioners missed out on money owed to them last year.

"I will be holding a series of drop-in advice surgeries to offer help and support to pensioners affected by the government’s change. The first of these will be on the September 28 in association with the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, who will be there to offer advice and assistance on claiming pension credit and other support that you could be entitled to. If you wish to attend, please contact my office at andrew.ranger.mp@parliament.uk and you will be advised of the details.

"I also encourage you, your friends, family and neighbours to see if they are eligible to receive pension credit by visiting the following link: www.gov.uk/pension-credit/eligibility or by calling the Pension Credit claim line at 0800 99 1234.

"I appreciate that you may not agree with how I voted on this matter, but I trust I have explained my reasoning for doing so.

"Thank you."