Yesterday in the House of Commons, the Prime Minister announced that the Winter Fuel Payment threshold will be changed so that more people receive it. This is something I pushed for and strongly support.

Last year, I was clear about my view on changes to Winter Fuel Payments. I have always stood firmly behind the principle that nobody in the UK should be cold because they cannot afford to heat their home. In Parliament, I said that we politicians must make principled arguments for our choices, and not accept that our hands are tied by bureaucrats or lawyers or economists.

I believe in the principle of need, as Gordon Brown did when he introduced Winter Fuel Payments in 1997. The purpose of targeting the payments was to ensure those who need them always get them. It was unsustainable to provide payments to millionaires who spent them on fine wines. Some of you emailed me to let me know that you agreed with that, and didn’t feel it was fair you received it.

Last winter after the announcement, I immediately launched a campaign called ‘No one cold this winter’. I wrote to thousands of pensioners to ensure they could access Pension Credit, which makes you eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, as well as providing financial assistance year round.

I worked with Wigan Council’s ‘Here for You’ team to ensure everyone who was eligible got the payment. At my monthly coffee mornings, we helped secure over £50,000 of support for those who need it. Many people who assume that they are not eligible, and have never received benefits before, realised they could get some help.

It’s right that we means test the payment. That has not changed. But with the economy growing at the fastest rate in the G7, this change is the right thing to do, making sure no one slips through the cracks.

This Government extended the Household Support Fund for people of all ages struggling financially, and has protected the triple lock, so that the state pension will rise by up to £1,900 this Parliament. It is right that we protect and value our pensioners properly.

The exact details of the change are being worked out. I’ll make sure that when they are announced, you know what this means for you and that everyone eligible gets the help they need.

As your local MP, I will always be on your side. I don’t mind who I need to fight to get things done for our area, whose heads I must bang together, or who I face down to ensure you are listened to. Nothing will get in the way of me delivering change for you and your family.