UK Winter Fuel Payment Cuts Leave Millions of Pensioners Struggling

The Labour government’s decision to restrict winter fuel payments to low-income pensioners has sparked widespread concern, with claims processing delays and limited eligibility compounding the issue.

• The UK government has restricted winter fuel payments to pensioners receiving pension credit or other means-tested benefits, reducing recipients from 11.4 million to 1.5 million.
• Pension credit applications have surged by 145%, but only 42,500 of the 150,000 applications since July have been approved, leaving many without support as winter begins.
• Critics warn the policy could push up to 100,000 pensioners into poverty, with many struggling to afford basic heating or food due to soaring energy costs.
• Scottish ministers are expected to announce a new devolved benefit to assist pensioners, though payments may be lower than the previous £200-£300 universal allowance.
• Charities and campaigners have raised concerns about the impact on vulnerable groups, including terminally ill pensioners, and called for urgent government action to address gaps in support.

20 Articles

Sky News The Telegraph The Guardian BBC BBC Evening Standard i The Telegraph i Evening Standard Sky News Evening Standard i BBC The Telegraph i Evening Standard The Times The Telegraph Evening Standard