Welwyn Hatfield's Labour MP Andrew Lewin has said he will back the government's plan to cut winter fuel payments, with a vote set to take place tomorrow.

The winter fuel payment is a payment of between £250 and £600 to help people over the age of 66 with their heating bills.

The new plans would mean older people not in receipt of pension credits or other means-tested benefits will no longer receive winter fuel payments from this year onwards as part of Labour's plans.

The government believe it could save the Treasury £1.4bn this financial year, but the proposal have been met with opposition ahead of an MP vote in the House of Commons tomorrow (September 10).

Mr Lewin has said he "will vote with the government", and that the cuts were part of a "broad approach to fixing the foundations of this country".

"I will vote with the government on the future of the winter fuel allowance," he told the Welwyn Hatfield Times. 

"We inherited a £22 billion black hole in our public finances from the Conservative Party and their failures in office mean we need to make tough decisions to turn things around.

"Labour is taking important steps to support pensioners. Since last winter the new state pension has increased by £902 for the vast majority of pensioners, a sum significantly higher than any loss from the winter fuel allowance. The state pension will rise again in April 2025, in the line with the triple lock we committed to in our manifesto.

"There will continue to be additional support for those on the lowest incomes. We will provide winter fuel payments to households in receipt of pension credit and my office will support the drive to ensure that all those who are eligible across Welwyn Hatfield can access this support.

"In our first weeks in office, the Labour government has also delivered long overdue for pay rises for nurses, police and other public servants. Thanks to our actions, an end to the junior doctor’s strike is also in sight.

"We’re taking a broad approach to fixing the foundations of this country. Change isn’t always easy, but it is necessary."