THE Barrow MP, who voted with the Government on cuts to winter fuel allowance, has responded to a planned protest in the town centre. 

Pensioner Anne Bispham is staging a demonstration at the town hall on Saturday, October 5. 

In response, Michelle Scrogham said: "We're having to make difficult decisions right from the start because the last government kept ducking them." 

The £300 allowance will become means-tested, meaning that all those over-65 will lose the payments unless they are on another benefit such as pension credit.  

The payments were given to 11.6 million people last year, 500,000 more than in 2020-21 according to Department for Work and Pensions figures. Around 10 million will lose the allowance. 

Ms Bispham called the cuts 'disgraceful' and that pensioners were being treated as 'second-class citizens.' 

"I won’t lie, this decision was a really tough one for me and I’m angry we’ve had to do it," Mrs Scrogham said. She described the Conservatives as like someone doing a 'runner at a restaurant' ordering expensive food and then leaving when the bill came. 

"I grew up in a council house and I'm no stranger to how difficult life can be so I totally get that this will worry some people. However, the £300 winter fuel allowance is being means tested – not taken away entirely. That means that the most vulnerable, and all those getting pension credit, will still get payments in full," she added. 

Mrs Scrogham said for those above the pension credit line she will work with the council and other groups to provide support through 'things like the Household Support Fund which has been extended.' 

"I would encourage anyone struggling and needing support to contact me," she said. 

Chancellor Rachel Reeves insisted 'tough decisions' on public finances are needed to prevent economic ruin at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool. The party say there is a £22 billion 'black hole' in public finances. 

Former Conservative chancellor Jeremy Hunt accused Ms Reeves of 'not having a plan' and damaging the UK's international reputation by talking down her inheritance.