Ellie Ames 05 August 2024

Warning over cuts to Winter Fuel Payment

Warning over cuts to Winter Fuel Payment image
Image: Lopolo / Shutterstock.com

Tens of thousands of older people face a financial cliff-edge because of changes to the Winter Fuel Payment, new analysis has revealed.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced last week that the state benefit, designed to help pensioners with their heating bills, would no longer be universal.

In England and Wales, only pensioners on means-tested benefits like Pension Credit will qualify for the financial support, meaning about 10m people will no longer be eligible.

But Policy in Practice estimated there are also 130,000 pensioners who will miss out because they are just £500 over the income threshold for receiving Pension Credit.

The data analytics company said they could now be better off if they had a lower income because they would be able to receive both Pension Credit and the Winter Fuel Payment.

A further 850,000 older people will miss out on the support for heating bills because they are eligible for but not claiming Pension Credit, the firm said.

Policy in Practice founder Deven Ghelani said: ‘Taking the Winter Fuel Payment from better off pensioners is one of the few reasonable ways to save money in social security, particularly as they benefit from the triple lock.

‘However, there really is no excuse for the shockingly low levels of Pension Credit take up as many older people continue to struggle with the cost of living.’

Mr Ghelani urged the Government to make the benefit system simpler and promote proactive support.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Cleaner and Caretaker

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £13.47 per hour
Are you looking for a cleaning role that is a little different? Ripon, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Cleaner and Caretaker

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £13.47 per hour
Are you looking for a cleaning role that is a little different? Bradley, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Specialist Customer Service Officer

Oxfordshire County Council
£31,537 - £34,434 per annum
Are you passionate about helping others and making a real impact in your community? We’re looking for Specialist Customer Service Officers to join our dynamic Contact Centre team, the first point of contact for a wide range of essential services acros Oxfordshire County Council , County Hall, Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Cook

North Yorkshire Council
£13.47 - £14.13 per hour
Are you keen to join a friendly team who are committed to making a real impact in their local community? Lancaster, Lancashire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Catering Assistant

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £12.65 per hour
We have an opportunity to join our award-winning Facilities Management catering team. North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner