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Reeves defends £4,400 heating claim for second home amid pensioner winter fuel payment cuts

September 11, 2024

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has reinforced the government's stance on urging the UK’s financial regulators to actively promote the growth and competitiveness of the City of London.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has faced criticism after justifying her decision to claim £4,400 in taxpayer-funded expenses for heating her second home, a day after MPs voted to scrap winter fuel payments of up to £300 for millions of pensioners. The decision comes as the government moves to cut benefits for pensioners while maintaining expense claims for MPs.

In an interview with GB News, Reeves defended her expenses, arguing that MPs are required to maintain two homes—one in London and one in their constituency. “Well, being a constituency MP means that you have to have a house in London as well as, of course, living in the constituency, and that’s the same for all MPs,” Reeves stated. “Those are longstanding rules.”

Reeves emphasised her commitment to protecting the most vulnerable, stating, “I am determined to ensure that the poorest pensioners are protected and will still get winter fuel payments, and indeed, to ensure that pension incomes continue to increase with the triple lock.”

Analysis has revealed that over the past five years, Reeves has claimed £3,700 in taxpayer money for energy bills. The Chancellor’s defence of her expenses comes amid a backlash from more than 50 Labour MPs who defied party leader Sir Keir Starmer by refusing to vote for his plan to scrap the winter fuel payments.

The controversy highlights the ongoing debate over MPs’ expenses and the perception of fairness, especially as pensioners prepare to lose a key financial support during the colder months. As public scrutiny intensifies, Reeves’ expense claims are likely to remain a contentious issue, raising questions about the balance between MPs’ entitlements and the needs of ordinary citizens.