Overview

• 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.