Sarah Dyke, the MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, has thrown her support behind a Liberal Democrats motion aimed at preventing the government from cutting Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners this year. The motion, announced by Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey, seeks to block the proposed cuts when Parliament reconvenes next week.

The party's 'prayer motion' would halt the government's planned reduction to Winter Fuel Payments and ensure that MPs have a chance to vote on the changes before they are scheduled to take effect on 16th September. The move comes amid concerns that pensioners are set to face a financial hit of £670 this winter due to a combination of rising energy prices, the end of the Pensioner Cost of Living Payment, and cuts to the Winter Fuel Allowance.

Ms Dyke highlighted the significant impact these cuts would have on the local community, particularly in rural areas like Glastonbury and Street. She pointed out that Somerset has a higher-than-average proportion of elderly residents, with one-quarter of the population over the age of 65, making the proposed cuts especially concerning.

"It is well known that Somerset has a much older population than the national average, with a quarter of us now older than 65. This means Labour's proposed cut will hit us harder and put a disproportionate burden on our public services," Ms Dyke said.

She also noted that many households in rural areas rely on off-grid gas supplies and live in less energy-efficient homes, further exacerbating the problem. In 2022, rural households had the highest rate of fuel poverty, with 15.9% affected compared to 11.1% in urban areas.

"The government has said that those with the broadest shoulders should bear the heavier burden, so it cannot be right that Somerset has to bear the brunt of these changes simply because we are a rural area with an older population," Ms Dyke added.

Ms Dyke called on the government to reconsider the proposed cuts, emphasising the need to protect poorer and vulnerable pensioners from the harsh impacts of rising energy costs and reduced financial support.

The Liberal Democrats' motion aims to maintain the current system of universal Winter Fuel Payments for pensioner households. If the motion is passed in the House of Commons, it would prevent the government's new regulations from becoming law.

The issue has sparked concern among local residents and advocacy groups, with Age UK warning that two million pensioners could struggle to pay their energy bills this winter if the cuts go ahead. The debate is set to continue as Parliament returns from recess, with many eyes on how MPs will respond to the proposed changes.