Yesterday saw the much-scrutinised vote on the implementation of a means-tested winter fuel allowance, which took place in the House of Commons.

I understand the concerns of those who are affected by the changes, and I’ve spoken to many retired and elderly constituents who will be affected by it, including my own Dad.

Many of those conversations haven’t been easy to have. But the tough truth is that the new government has been left with too many hard choices, all stemming from the bad decisions of the last government, and the recklessness of Liz Truss’ mini-Budget.

We’ve heard at length about the £22billion black hole left by the last government, and I won’t repeat or rehash the failings of the previous government here - but the raw truth is this new government’s focus and determination is fixed firmly - and rightly - on fixing the basics and improving Britain; be that improving our schools, creating affordable childcare, or fixing our NHS and bringing down waiting lists.

But I do know that this hard truth doesn’t take away from the fact that many people will be hit by the changes being introduced to means test the winter fuel allowance.

Coming into this new role as the newly elected Member of Parliament for Suffolk Coastal, one of my main drivers - both personally and politically - is to champion changes to adult social care and ensure we provide the right support for our older and aging population.

My Mum’s battle with dementia - and the subsequent struggles I’ve faced when trying to find and access the right support for her - has made me personally determined to champion for the elderly and most vulnerable.

This government is right to take the tough decisions to improve our economy and invest in our much needed services that will improve the quality of life – not just for older people like my Mum and Dad - but for the families stuck on housing waiting lists, to the young people struggling with mental health issues, and for our local schools struggling to meet the growing SEND demands amongst young people.

I know that although the new government’s drive and determination to improve our economy and invest in our core services is right, it doesn’t make it easy - and this news has been a real concern and worry for many.

That’s why in my constituency I am putting on extra dedicated winter fuel allowance surgeries over the coming months, both in person and over the phone.

I’m also creating extra dedicated resource in my office to help those who are eligible apply for Pension Credit, including providing help with filling in the forms and helping people access support that they are entitled to. And I’ll also be working with local housing associations, Citizens Advice and other local groups to make sure that support is available to those who need it.

There was good news announced this week for pensioners but it received less attention - the new Labour government’s triple lock on the state pensions means that state pensions will increase, and these new pension increases will outstrip any loss of the winter fuel payments for pensioners.

The new flat-rate state pension (for those who reached state pension age after April 2016) is expected to rise by £460 from next April, whilst the old basic state pension (for those who reached state pension age before April 2016) is also expected to rise by £353.60 from next April. In addition, the current forecasts also suggest that the new flat-rate state pension should rise £1,700 more by 2029.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be working to make sure that all those in Suffolk Coastal who are eligible for Pension Credit, but not yet in receipt of it, apply for it with support from my office - and

I’d also urge others who think they may be eligible to reach out to their MP or to Citizens Advice for further support.