INVERCLYDE'S MP Martin McCluskey has faced fierce criticism from an SNP rival after he backed plans to cut winter fuel payments to all but the poorest pensioners.

The Labour politician was one of 348 elected members who voted against a Conservative motion to reject UK Government plans to cut the number of pensioners eligible for the annual allowance in England and Wales.

The Tory move to block the cuts was defeated by a majority of 120 votes.

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The Scottish Government's Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has previously stated that means-testing the payment in England and Wales would leave Holyrood bosses with 'no choice' but to replicate the decision.

Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Stuart McMillan claimed that the vote would impact thousands of local pensioners as he hit out at Mr McCluskey. 

Stuart McMillan SNP MSP (Image: contributed)

Mr McMillan said: “Martin McCluskey MP has sent a loud and clear message to his constituents today: that no matter the issue, he will always do what his Westminster masters tell him.

“Choosing to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment will impact thousands of local pensioners, and as a whole, will have a greater effect in pensioners in Scotland as we experience colder winters compared to the rest of the UK.

“Politics is all about choices, and choosing to take this decision before the benefit is fully devolved has wiped an estimated £160m from the Scottish Budget.

“When the Scottish Government has already spent £134m in the last year mitigating cruel Westminster policies like the two-child benefit cap and bedroom tax, mitigating cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment on top of that is simply not feasible.

“I’ll be hosting cost of living surgeries again this autumn and winter to try to help local households with their energy bills, and also signpost them to advice services who may be able to provide income maximisation checks, as we know that keeping money in people’s pockets is what makes the biggest impact on their wellbeing.

“I’m urging Martin McCluskey MP to consider how he’ll be using his time at Westminster and in the constituency to ensure his constituents are not left in the cold this winter.”

The winter fuel payment is a state benefit paid once a year which aims to help cover the additional costs of heating of the winter months. 

The cut means that from this winter only those claiming pension credit or other means-tested benefits will receive help with their fuel bills, whereas previously anyone over 66 could claim the allowance.

The move is expected to reduce the number of pensioners in receipt of the up to £300 payment by 10 million, from 11.4 million to 1.5 million, saving the exchequer around £1.4bn this year.

Martin McCluskey MP (Image: Parliament TV)

In response to the criticism, Mr McCluskey said: "This is not a decision anyone wanted to make.

"The last Government left us with a £22billion black hole this year and we need to be responsible with the public finances.

"This is just one measure and we will set out a complete budget at the end of October.

“During the election campaign, I told people that the Government’s priority would be stabilising the economy so that we would never again face the economic crash that we saw under Liz Truss.

"I also said that I would be straight with people about the choice we face and the way I vote.

“It is important to get the facts straight. The vote today does not change the position in Scotland – this vote only affects people in England and Wales.

"That is because from October, the Winter Fuel Allowance is devolved, and the Scottish Parliament will soon vote on eligibility in Scotland.

"The Scottish Government have also made the decision – backed by their own expert panel – to means test the winter fuel payment.

“The second fact is that the winter fuel payment is not being abolished. It is being targeted at the poorest pensioners.

"In our area that means that thousands of people in receipt of pension credit will still receive the payment this winter, assuming the Scottish Government decides to use the same qualifying criteria.

"It is important that anyone eligible for pension credit applies for it, and I will help anyone who needs assistance to apply.

“The final fact is that pensioners incomes will continue to increase this year.

"Last year, the state pension increased by £900 and next year we expect it to increase by around £400.

"The Government have absolutely guaranteed the triple lock on pensions for the lifetime of this Parliament, meaning that pension income will always rise and never fall – a guarantee that is a significant financial commitment over the course of the Parliament.”