The MP for Sherwood has defended her decision to vote against an attempt to block plans to cut winter fuel payments to pensioners.
Michelle Welsh MP was one of 348 MPs to vote against a Conservative motion on Tuesday.
Winter fuel payments of either £200 or £200 are normally paid in November and December.
But under plans by the new Labour government, they will now only be paid to pensioners claiming a pension credit to top up low income or other means-tested benefits, meaning millions over the age of 66 will lose out.
The Government said the cut will save £1.4bn and will go towards covering a £22bn black hole they inherited from the previous Tory administration.
In an open letter to constituents, the MP wrote: “I will be holding pension credit support sessions, where myself and my team working with a local charity will help constituents one to one with applications and advice.
“There are thousands of pensioners in the area who are currently not claiming. I have absolute confidence the Government will get our country back in track, and like the previous Labour Government, will lift over one million pensioners out of poverty.
“I will not take lectures from a Conservative Party which destroyed our public services, placed millions of children in poverty and left behind a legacy of chaos.
“Under the last Tory government, over 800,000 eligible pensioners did not get the benefits to which they were entitled. While they failed on Pension Credit, we are determined to make a difference and ensure thousands of pensioners claim Pension Credit which will unlock winter fuel payments and other benefits.
“I encourage you, your friends, family and neighbours to check if you or they are eligible by visiting the following link: www.gov.uk/pension-credit/eligibility or by calling the Pension Credit claim line at 0800 99 1234.
Gedling Conservatives called the move a ‘kick in the teeth’ for pensioners.
They said: “There are 22,271 pensioners across Gedling Borough who do not quite qualify for Pension Credit and needed that Winter Fuel Allowance to help with keeping warm this winter with fuel bills expected to rise in the coming months.”
