As inflation and energy bills soar, I am worried about the impact that the cold weather will have on the elderly this winter. I would have liked to have seen the Government go much further in their preparation for this crisis. Their Autumn Budget did not include increases to the Household Support Fund, despite this being around the time of volatile energy prices and energy company collapses.

I am proud that the last Labour Government introduced Winter fuel payments. The Government continues to provide pension age households with financial support worth up to £300 each year, and cold weather payments support vulnerable households. I support Labour’s current proposals to cut VAT on domestic energy bills and in the longer-term to better insulate more homes.