Many State Pensioners are still suffering from the new Labour Government's unexpected change that will see Winter Fuel Payments be delivered to only about 1.5 million pensioners this year to help plug a £22 billion 'black hole' in the public budget.
State Pension Cuts Could Extend to Concessionary Benefits in Upcoming Autumn Budget
According to Daily Record, some 10 million retirees are going to miss out on annual heating bill assistance valued between £100 and £300 because they do not receive an income-related benefit such as Pension Credit.
Following the Prime Minister's recent response, pension cuts may not end there. During Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, Conservative MP Louie French described the cutbacks in Winter Fuel Payments as a “disgraceful political decision” before urging him to “rule out scrapping concessionary travel fares and Council Tax discounts, which also help millions of pensioners across the UK”.
Nevertheless, Sir Keir opted out of answering the questions and responded saying: “I am not going to pre-empt the Budget. It will all be set out in due course.”
Both the Prime Minister and Chancellor Rachel Reeves have been hinting at further cuts in an attempt to restore economic balance in the government's budget, but neither has indicated where they could come. There is growing speculation that the Autumn Budget on October 30 may include changes to Capital Gains Tax, Inheritance Tax, the ISA allowance, and the personal savings allowance.
Council Tax and Travel Changes Unlikely to Affect Scotland's Devolved Schemes
According to The Telegraph, council tax is another option under consideration; however, it is unclear how any changes will effect residents in Scotland, as banding is determined by the Scottish Government.
Similarly, if adjustments to concessionary travel are brought about, they are unlikely to impact those living in Scotland because the scheme is also set up and run by devolved authority.
In Scotland, the National Entitlement Card (NEC) grants access to a range of public services, including free bus travel for seniors and disabled individuals. The Strathclyde Concessionary Travel Scheme also provides discounts on train, subway, and ferry journeys.
For those aged 60 and above, the card is lifelong, provided they remain in Scotland. However, for others, particularly those with disabilities, the card is typically valid for three years before requiring renewal.
In England, the concessionary travel scheme offers free local bus travel exclusively to elderly and disabled people on bus routes within the country.