On 11th September 2024, the House of Lords debated changes to the Winter Fuel Payment Regulations which would change the payment from a universal to a means-tested benefit. Votes were held on three regret motions associated with the change, in which Bishops took part:
Division 1:
The Bishop of Southwark took part in a vote on a motion to annul the regulation changes in the name of Baroness Altman:
That an Humble Address be presented to His Majesty praying that the Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Regulations 2024 (SI 2024/869), laid before the House on 22 August, be annulled because they would significantly reduce state support for pensioners without sufficient warning and without a proper impact assessment, and because they present a significant risk to the health and wellbeing of many pensioners on low incomes.
The motion was disagreed. Content: 30 / Not Content 138
The Bishop of Southwark voted Content.
Division 2:
The Bishop of Sheffield took part in a vote on a motion to regret in the name of Baroness Stedman-Scott:
That this House regrets (1) that the Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Regulations 2024 (SI 2024/869), laid before the House on 22 August, will leave pensioners worse off in winter; (2) the decision to prioritise above-inflation pay rises for unionised public sector professionals over the needs of the elderly, including many households that are eligible for Pension Credit but do not claim it; and (3) the lack of transparency on these policy decisions during the election period.
The motion was agreed. Content: 164 / Not Content 132
The Bishop of Sheffield voted Not Content.
Division 3:
The Bishop of Southwark and the Bishop of Sheffield took part in a vote on a motion to regret tabled by Lord Palmer of Childs Hill: That this House regrets that the Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Regulations 2024 (SI 2024/869), laid before the House on 22 August, will remove support from many of the poorest pensioners at the same time as the energy price cap is being lifted; and calls on the Government (1) to take steps to identify those who are eligible for pension credit but do not claim it so that they can receive both benefits; (2) to support vulnerable pensioners this winter; and (3) to take action to end fuel poverty, including with an emergency home insulation programme and a windfall tax on the profits of oil and gas companies.
The motion was disagreed. Content: 65 / Not Content: 132
The Bishop of Southwark and the Bishop of Sheffield voted Content.
The Church of England in Parliament 
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