A BETRAYAL - that is what a political rival has described the city's MP's vote in favour of the winter fuel allowance cuts.

Tom Collins, Labour MP for Worcester, voted against the Conservative motion to annul the Government's cuts to winter fuel payments during opposition day on Tuesday (September 10).

Marc Bayliss, Conservative county councillor for Bowbrook and the Conservative candidate for MP in the last election, said: "Tom told the electorate at hustings that he would cut bills.

"He hasn't cut the bills he's cut the allowance and left more than 15,000 pensioners in Worcester without this payment.

"I think it's a disgrace and a betrayal of the people of Worcester."

Data analysed by Worcester News shows that almost 90 per cent of the 17,312  pensioners in Worcester who received the winter fuel payment in 2022 would not receive it in 2024.

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In response, Mr Collins said: "Labour promised to make tough decisions to stabilise our economy and fix our public health services and this has been a really difficult decision for the government.

"I've also been contacted by local people concerned about the impact.

"I understand their concern and I am also aware that the last government left 800,000 people not claiming Pension Credit despite being entitled to it.

"I am urging local people to check if they are entitled to claim pension credit by visiting the gov.uk website or by calling 0800 99 1234."

Mr Bayliss believes there were many alternatives to cutting the winter fuel allowance: "The government spends £1 trillion every year.

"The fuel allowance payment only costs them £1.4 billion.

"They've settled some very large pay claims while taking millions from pensioners.

"The Conservatives dealt with financial decisions but never did anything like this to people."

Mr Collins voted against the bill while West Worcestershire MP Harriet Baldwin and Droitwich and Evesham MP Nigel Huddleston voted in favour.

Only one Labour MP voted to annul the bill while another 52 abstained.

Mr Bayliss added: "Tom Collins sold himself as the person that would solve the energy problems that the people in Worcester face.

"He had the chance to put the people of Worcester first but he chose to put the party in front of the people.

"I hope this isn't a sign of things to come."