Off The Fence column with Alan Mak MP - 'Cruel removal of Winter Fuel Payment takes effect'
Christmas is coming - and so is the cold weather. As the temperature drops, we're reaching the time when so many pensioners will be directly hit by the Labour Government's cruel decision to remove the Winter Fuel Payment.
Where once this important financial cushion helped millions to pay their gas and electricity bills at this time of year, now there is only fear of what lies ahead.
For far too many pensioners, the harsh reality this winter will be having to decide if they can afford to turn the heating on. That's the result of Labour choosing to punish pensioners in this way.
I've voted against the Labour Government's plan in Parliament, have organised a petition and continue to maintain that the removal of the Winter Fuel Payment should be reversed. If you want to add your name to the petition, please go to www.alanmak.org.uk/KeepWinterFuel
Thank you to all those who visited and exhibited at my 3rd annual Health & Wellbeing Fair at Emsworth Baptist Church last week.
It was my third fair this year after my 9th annual Jobs, Apprenticeships & Careers Fair at Bedhampton Community Centre and my 9th annual Community Information Fair at Hayling Island Community Centre.
Next year will be the 10th time I've organised these two events, so look out for something special in 2025! You're also very welcome to join one of the tours to the Houses of Parliament that I'm running. Residents in the Havant Constituency can find out all about the Palace of Westminster's long history before joining me for a Q&A session.
Tours have proved very popular and more are being planned for the new year, with a coach leaving central Havant at around 8.00am and returning around 5.00pm. If you're interested in coming, please register your interest at https://www.alanmak.org.uk/Tours.
I'm also providing free Union and St George flags to my constituents. To request one, again please get in touch at https://www.alanmak.org.uk/contact.
Finally, the best ways to stay up to date with the work I'm doing as your local MP all year round are to follow my social media accounts, especially Facebook (www.fb.com/AlanMakHavant), and sign up for my regular residents' email newsletter at http://www.alanmak.org.uk.
You can also share your views on local and national issues with me by completing my online survey at www.AlanMak.org.uk/Survey.
May I end by wishing you all a merry Christmas and a very happy New Year!
Alan Mak, Member of Parliament for the Havant Constituency