MPs in Suffolk have welcomed the Government's decision to restore winter fuel payments to pensioners with an income under £35,000.
Nick Timothy, Conservative MP for West Suffolk and Jenny Riddell-Carpenter, Labour MP for Suffolk Coastal, both said the apparent climbdown on plans to limit the payments only to those who claimed pension credits was "good news".
The Government had sought to limit the payment in an effort to balance what was described as a £22 billion black hole in the public finances.
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But the change of heart means nine million pensioners in England and Wales will now receive the payment - worth up to £300 - this winter.
Those with an income above £35,000 will also get the payment, but it will be reclaimed from them in tax.
Mr Timothy said: "It is good news for pensioners that Labour have finally caved to our pressure and restored winter fuel payments for those with incomes of £35,000 or less.
"But this is absolutely shambolic government from a prime minister and chancellor who put pensioners through a cold winter without this support.
When the plans to cut the payments were put to the parliamentary vote in September, Ms Riddell-Carpenter did not vote, while Mr Timothy voted against.
But yesterday, the Suffolk Coastal MP said: "This is good news. It is a necessary, sensible and timely decision that will ensure vital support reaches those who need it most, particularly in rural communities like ours."
Meanwhile, charity Suffolk Community Foundation has been running the Surviving Winter Appeal 24/25, which raises funds to help vulnerable older people stay warm and well during cold weather.
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The charity's chief executive Hannah Bloom also backed the Government's reversal.
She said: “We remain incredibly grateful for the support which the people of Suffolk have given our Surviving Winter Appeal over the years.
"Their generosity has made a huge difference to hundreds of older people as the weather turned colder.
“We are pleased that the threshold for receiving the winter fuel payments has been reviewed and look forward to finding out more details in due course."
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