A Dorset MP has voted against the motion to block the cut in winter fuel payment.

In the House of Commons yesterday (Tuesday, September 10), the government won a vote on the plan to restrict payments to all but the poorest pensioners by a majority of 120 with 348 votes to 228.

The winter fuel payments help pensioners with their heating bill with either £200 or £300, normally made in November and December.

It will still be paid to pensioners claiming pension credit to top up those on a low income. The government said that this was a necessary response to 'substantial pressures' facing the public finances this year and next, and that those on the lowest income will retain support.

MP for South Dorset Lloyd Hatton voted against the motion to block the cut in winter fuel payment.

He said: "The Government has made this tough decision so we can close a £22 billion black hole in the public finances, which we inherited from the previous Conservative Government.

"I appreciate this decision is controversial, that’s why I have already urged the relevant Ministers to consider a more tapered approach to ensure every pensioner receives the appropriate financial support going forwards.

"This Labour Government is committed to supporting pensioners. First, by protecting the triple lock pension, second with the Warm Homes Plan, and third with the extension of the Household Support Fund - providing £500 million of targeted support for those in need.

"I encourage all constituents to check if they’re eligible for both the Household Support Fund and Pension Credit, if you need help with this then please get in touch.”

Lloyd Hatton voted against the motion to block cut in winter fuel paymentEdward Morello MP voted for the motion to block cut in winter fuel payment (Image: Tom Lawrence)

MP for West Dorset Edward Morello voted for the motion to block the cut in winter fuel payment.

Speaking after the vote, Mr Morello said: "I, and all my Liberal Democrat colleagues, voted against the governments plans to remove the winter fuel payment from our pensioners. Fuel bills have increased by 36 per cent in the last decade. 

"Withdrawing the winter fuel payment will mean many pensioners will be forced to choose between heating and eating this winter. 

"We recognise that the previous Conservative government left the public finances in a terrible state but we cannot fill the black hole by forcing vulnerable pensioners into fuel poverty. 

"I'll continue to push the government to reconsider this decision."