“Sickening Hypocrisy!” Rachel Reeves Slammed for Claiming £360 Energy Bills While Cutting Pensioners’ Fuel Payments
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has faced backlash after claiming £360 in taxpayer-funded expenses for her fuel bills shortly before announcing cuts to winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners.
According to data from the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA), Reeves made four claims between May and July 2024 to cover dual fuel costs for her accommodation. These claims included two payments of £100 and two of £80.58, totaling £361.16.
On July 29, Reeves revealed that the Government would means-test winter fuel payments, reducing eligibility from 11.6 million pensioners to just 1.5 million. This policy, intended to save £1.3 billion this year and £1.5 billion in future years, aims to address a £22 billion gap in public finances.
Critics argue the cuts will leave vulnerable pensioners choosing between heating their homes and buying food. Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, called Reeves’ actions “an insult to pensioners.” Dennis Reed, from Silver Voices, described her expenses claims as “sickening hypocrisy,” especially given their timing before the controversial policy announcement.
Under Parliamentary rules, MPs representing constituencies outside London can claim expenses for maintaining two homes. Reeves, who commutes between her Leeds constituency and London, also claimed £1,729 for fuel at an office. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, who is overseeing the fuel payment cuts, claimed £1,015 for her accommodation expenses from April to September.
Charities and campaigners have criticized the Government for other measures affecting older people, including refusing compensation for “WASPI” women affected by state pension age increases. Eamonn Donaghy, CEO of the National Federation of Occupational Pensioners, expressed disappointment in Labour’s direction, urging the Government to reaffirm its commitment to pensioners and the triple lock.
Campaigners warn that Labour risks alienating older voters unless it acts to rebuild trust and fulfill its promises to support pensioners.
