Rachel Reeves has defended her decision to claim £4,400 to cover the heating costs of her second home following a recent vote by MPs to eliminate winter fuel payments for 10 million pensioners.
The Chancellor justified the taxpayer-funded expense as pensioners face the loss of up to £300 in winter fuel payments.
On Tuesday, over 50 Labour MPs defied Sir Keir Starmer by voting against his proposal.
According to Telegraph analysis, Reeves has claimed £4,400 in taxpayer money for her energy bills, with an additional £3,700 claimed over the past five years.
When asked if it was fair for taxpayers to cover the heating costs of her second home, the Chancellor responded to GB News: “As a constituency MP, it is necessary to maintain a residence in London in addition to living in the constituency, which is standard practice for all MPs.
“These are long-standing rules. I am committed to protecting the poorest pensioners and ensuring they continue to receive winter fuel payments, as well as maintaining pension income through the triple lock.”
