MP Nigel Huddleston writes for our paper.
Winter fuel allowance
JANUARY has brought more cold weather with heavy frosts and the coldest January night in 15 years..
Unfortunately, for many pensioners in the constituency, this winter is proving even tougher due to the Labour Government’s decision to cut winter fuel payments for millions of people. This directly affects more than 21,000 pensioners in our community, leaving them without vital support they relied on to heat their homes.
I have heard from local pensioners, charities, and community groups deeply concerned about the impact this has had on some of the most vulnerable in our area. I will continue to press the Government to restore winter fuel payments and prioritise those who need support the most.
If you or someone you know has been affected, I encourage you to share your experiences by signing my petition on my website.
Holocaust Memorial Day
Last month, I signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment in Parliament, pledging to honour Holocaust
Memorial Day on January 27. This year is particularly significant as we mark 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Holocaust Memorial Day is a time to remember the six million Jewish men, women, and children murdered, as well as all those who suffered under Nazi persecution. As the number of survivors grows smaller, it is more important than ever to listen to their stories and ensure their experiences are never forgotten.
This year’s theme ‘For a Better Future’ reminds us of our collective responsibility to stand against antisemitism and all forms of hatred, ensuring that such atrocities never happen again.
Boiler tax – A blow to British households
I recently voted against the Government’s controversial ‘boiler tax’, a new levy that will increase the cost of gas boilers for households across the country. While I support efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, this policy punishes hardworking families by making it more expensive to heat their homes.
The new tax, set to take effect in April 2025, places a financial burden on boiler manufacturers – a cost which will inevitably be passed on to consumers. The Government is effectively forcing people to switch to heat pumps, which can cost up to
£17,000 to install, even with a £7,000 grant. For many, especially those in older homes, heat pumps are simply not a viable option.
This policy also risks undermining British jobs, including here in Worcestershire.
<b>Improving mobile coverage in Worcestershire</b>
Mobile connectivity is a lifeline for businesses, families, and emergency services and I am committed to ensuring that rural communities in Worcestershire are not left behind. Last month, I met with Mobile UK, the trade association for the UK’s mobile network operators, to discuss improving mobile signal and expanding 5G coverage in our area.
While progress has been made, I know many residents still struggle with poor signal and slow data speeds. We need to accelerate the roll-out of better mobile infrastructure, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas. I will continue to work with providers to ensure Worcestershire receives the investment and improvements it deserves.
January has been a busy month in Westminster and, as always, I am here to stand up for our community and fight for the issues that matter most to you.
If you have concerns or would like to share your views, please get in touch.
<b>Nigel Huddleston MP
Member of Parliament for Droitwich and Evesham</b>
