THE constituency's MP voted to introduce means testing winter fuel payments this winter, following a Parliamentary debate this week.

Hexham MP Joe Morris was one of 19 Northern Labour MPs who voted to support proposed changes that will remove Winter Fuel Payments from almost ten million pensioners this winter.

He said Parliament's decision to introduce means testing for the Winter Fuel Allowance was 'necessary' once the 'reckless overspending and poor economic management by the previous government was laid bare'.

"Our manifesto committed us to economic credibility – we found a £22bn in-year black hole. We can’t cut money from future years," he said.

"I know this is a policy that has worried some constituents and I want to reassure all of you of the steps this government is taking not only towards rebuilding Britain but also to better supporting the most vulnerable in society. 

"Winter Fuel Payments will still be given to individuals in receipt of Pension Credit and we are currently aware of around 880,000 pensioners who are not claiming the Pension Credit that they are entitled to. As such, the Government is in communication with local authorities to help identify individuals who may be eligible and we have assigned additional staff to the Pension Credit team to ensure these claims are processed by the December 21 deadline."

To find out if you may be eligible for Pension Credit, visit www.gov.uk/pension-credit/eligibility or phone 0800 99 1234.