This year the Labour Government will increase the Winter Fuel Allowance to £400 for people aged 80 and over and to £250 for other pensioners.

Labour introduced the Winter Fuel Allowance, and we know how important it is to pensioners across Britain, which is why we are protecting it and improving it.

Kay Everett, from Reading who turns 80 this year, feels the same way.

“The Winter Fuel Allowance is marvellous,” she told us during a campaign event in Reading. “I’m 80 this year so I shall get my extra bit. I think it’s very good and it helps people to keep warmer, I think people need this.”

James Purnell MP, Labour’s Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, noted that Reading was a real success story, a town combining a strong local economy with better services.

“When you compare Reading, a Labour council, to local Tory councils, there’s a lower council tax here [Reading] and better services at the same time,” James said.

“The Winter Fuel Allowance is also a big difference between a Labour Government and the previous Tory Government. It didn’t use to exist at all and people sometimes forget that.

“We recognise that this year fuel bills can be difficult for people and that’s why we’re putting the Winter Fuel Allowance up.”