Overview

• Winter Fuel Payments will now only be available to pensioners receiving Pension Credit or certain other benefits.
• The policy change is expected to save the Treasury £1.4bn this year and £1.5bn next year.
• Critics argue the decision will leave millions of pensioners struggling to afford heating costs.
• Additional support options include Attendance Allowance and the Household Support Fund.
• The Scottish Government claims the decision was made without consultation, affecting their planned replacement scheme.