UK News

MPs claim expenses for heating while cutting pensioners’ fuel payments

Rachel Reeves defends expense claims as pensioners lose winter fuel payments

Rachel Reeves defended her decision to claim thousands in expenses for heating her second home while cutting winter fuel payments for pensioners.

Official records reveal the Chancellor has claimed £3,700 over the past five years for energy bills at her Leeds constituency home.

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Her move to means-test the winter fuel payment, affecting 10 million pensioners who will lose up to £300 annually, has sparked significant criticism.

Ms Reeves, earning £158,851, told GB News: ‘I understand I earn more than average families in Britain, but I aim to protect the most vulnerable, which is why pensioners on pension credit will still receive the winter fuel payment.’

Addressing her own expenses, she added: ‘Being a constituency MP requires a home in London and in the constituency, which applies to all MPs. These rules have been long established. I am committed to ensuring the poorest pensioners are protected and will continue to receive winter fuel payments, and to maintaining the triple lock on pension incomes.’

Simon Francis of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition commented: ‘While MPs heat their homes at public expense, pensioners face a very different reality this winter. Labour MPs should consider finding savings closer to home rather than taking from pensioners.’

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Earlier reports indicated that eleven members of Sir Keir Starmer’s Cabinet claimed substantial expenses for heating their second homes while cutting winter fuel payments for ten million pensioners.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, whose department denies the fuel payments to the elderly, claimed £1,284 for energy bills in 2021-22 and £2,400 last year. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband’s claims increased from £650 to £1,100, while Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson’s rose from £1,052 to £1,896.

In total, the eleven Cabinet ministers claimed £7,187 for their gas and electricity bills in 2021-22, which increased to £12,620 for the first three-quarters of last year.

These claims are part of the entitlement for MPs, whose salaries rose to £91,346 this year, to receive funds for working from two locations if their constituency is outside London. They can claim costs for properties near Westminster, including council tax and utilities.

There is no evidence that any of the claims have broken rules.

A Labour spokesman previously stated: ‘The accommodation costs budget is to cover expenses incurred by MPs working from two permanent locations. MPs from all parties are entitled to this, and they continue to pay utility bills for their own homes like everyone else.’

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What Other Media Are Saying
  • Yahoo Finance reports that Rachel Reeves has defended her claims for energy expenses at her second home, despite the government’s plans to scale back winter fuel payments, emphasizing her need to cover costs due to her parliamentary duties.(read more)
  • BMMagazine reports Chancellor Rachel Reeves justifying her £4,400 expense claim for heating her second home, despite critics decrying the move amid pensioner winter fuel payment cuts, while Reeves emphasizes her commitment to protecting the poorest pensioners and ensuring pension incomes increase with the triple lock.(read more)
  • SHARE TALK reports Rachel Reeves defends claiming £4,400 in taxpayer funds for her home heating costs, despite axing winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions asked about this news

Why did Rachel Reeves claim expenses for heating her second home?

As a constituency MP, she needs homes in both London and Leeds.

How much did Rachel Reeves claim for heating expenses?

Rachel Reeves claimed £3,700 over the last five years.

Why are winter fuel payments being scrapped for some pensioners?

The payments are being means-tested to protect only the most vulnerable pensioners.

How much do MPs earn annually?

MPs earn £91,346 annually, but Rachel Reeves earns £158,851.

Are MPs allowed to claim expenses for their second homes?

Yes, MPs can claim expenses for costs incurred from working in two locations.

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Lilly Larkin

Lilly is a skilled journalist based in the UK, with a degree in Political Science from the University of Manchester. Her expertise lies in political, social news. In her free time, she enjoys reading social media news to keep up with the latest trends and understand the pulse of society.

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