RUNCORN MP Mike Amesbury is campaigning for more pensioners to be able to access winter fuel payments.

Downing Street sparked anger after ending universal winter fuel payments, meaning fewer OAPs are now eligible for help towards their energy bills in a cost-saving measure.

Labour MP Mike Amesbury did vote to back Government’s introduction of means-testing for the payment given the inherited budget deficit.

But he publicly stated at the time that he would be campaigning to extend entitlement, describing the current threshold as ‘too low’.

He has since lodged a parliamentary motion calling for changes that would see an increase in the number of older households eligible for winter fuel payments.

Mr Amesbury explained: “The Tories have left a £22billion blackhole in Government coffers, leading to some extremely tough choices.

“I voted with the Government on the question of moving to a means-tested winter fuel allowance rather than it being available to all pensioners, including millionaires and billionaires.

“No MPs backed this with any enthusiasm, given there will be an impact, especially on those just above the eligibility threshold, which is those who qualify for pension credit, but that is why I am arguing the threshold must be increased.”

Mr Amesbury’s early day motion (EDM), backed by multiple fellow MPs so far, asserts that the threshold for pension support ‘to open the gateway of winter fuel allowance’ is ‘too low’.

It further notes the need to ‘change the cliff-edge nature of the pension credit threshold’.

He has asked for a ministerial statement on how the Government will address the points raised and is awaiting a response.

Mr Amesbury added: “I must stress, Labour’s continued support for pensioners remains strong.

“For example, we are committed to the triple lock, and the state pension will increase by £460 next year, in addition to this year’s £900 increase.

“More than 12million pensioners will benefit from these measures.

“In addition, the Household Support Fund has been extended, providing £500 million of targeted support to those most in need.

“Anyone needing assistance with their benefits entitlement is invited to contact my office by emailing mike.amesbury.mp@parliament.uk or calling 01928 620061.”