Many of my constituents have written to me with concerns about the news that the Winter Fuel Payment is set to be cut. I understand these concerns and in my first week back in Parliament since summer recess I have taken some actions on behalf of my constituents.

On Tuesday the 3rd of September I sponsored a debate in Parliament on “Healthcare provision in the East of England”. In the debate, I asked the Minister of State for the Department of Health and Social Care whether she believes the cut to winter fuel payments will improve our situation in terms of fuel poverty and its impact on health. The Minister did not have time to respond to this question but assured me that the Government is prioritising prevention as a key part of its strategy to keep people healthier for longer.

I have also co-sponsored Early Day Motion 115, tabled by my Labour Party colleague Neil Duncan-Jordan MP. The Motion, titled “Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Regulations 2024”, notes that older homes make older people more susceptible to poor health, including hyperthermia and respiratory or circulatory disease. It calls on the Government “to postpone the ending of Winter Fuel Payments and establish a comprehensive strategy to tackle fuel poverty, health inequality and low incomes among older people.”

Access to affordable energy and stopping the rise of fuel poverty are key priorities for me. In the last Parliament, I tabled a Private Members’ Bill on Energy Equity, proposing that the Government support households, businesses and public services with energy costs. This included the introduction of a free Universal Basic Energy Allowance and a retrofitting push.

In October, I will be sponsoring an event in Parliament in collaboration with Fuel Poverty Action, a campaign group focused on protecting people from the impact of fuel poverty. This event will aim to build support in Parliament for overhauling energy pricing so that everyone has access to the energy they need to meet decent living standards.

I will continue to stand up for my constituents both inside and outside Parliament.