It has been pinpointed that 1.6 million pensioners could be left in a dire situation thanks to the scrapping of the Winter Fuel Payment which can be a valuable £300 to help towards astronomical energy bills, pension experts have said.
Specialists at Lane Clark & Peacock (LCP) have concluded 1.9 million pensioners earn less than 60% of the national average income. This is a commonly used figure to determine the poverty line. 300,000 of this number receive help via the pension credit system, this is their eligibility to receive the Winter Fuel Payment.
This leaves the 1.6 million left to fend for themselves in the struggle to afford to both heat their homes and eat this coming winter.
Why is the Winter Fuel Payment Being Scrapped?
Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed that the Winter Fuel Payment would be cut for many of the country’s pensioners. This decision supposedly forced the government’s hand due to a £22 billion black hole in the UK’s finances this year, leftover from the conservative party.
Reeve stated that the State Pension has seen an increase of £900 a year and is going to see another rise of around £400 in April next year.
What are the Concerns?
Charity Age Concern and other fuel poverty charities have voiced worries about the increased fatality rates of this decision from the government, with the elderly, sick, and vulnerable individuals who can’t pay to heat their homes in the winter months.
What Pensioners Can Do About the Winter Fuel Payment Cuts This Winter
Only those receiving Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits will receive the payment this year and further into the future.
- Age UK: the charity are dedicated to opposing the means-testing of the Winter Fuel Payment as it means that around 2 million at-risk pensioners who critically need this money to keep warm will not get it and face a dire situation because of it. Sign their petition to do your part and save the payment for those who need it.
- Free Home Improvement Grants: government-backed grants aim at helping those who need it the most save vital amounts of money, in this case, money that could potentially save their lives. Being eligible for this grant means that you could receive free home energy upgrades like a brand-new heating source, solar panels, and home insulation.
- Solar Panels and Battery Lease Packages: Energy Advice Helpline want to help as much as we possibly can, this is why we are proud to offer solar and battery lease packages at an affordable price. For as little as £50 a month, you could have a full solar system installed on your home, saving you money on your energy bills by generating your own electricity from the sun.
