In a few days, this petition has quickly accumulated over 130,000 signatures in order to save the Winter Fuel Payment (WFP).
This week, the WFP was altered by the Labour Government significantly and now pays anything between £100 and £300 to some pensioners.
As of this winter, only those on Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits will qualify, leaving about 10 million pensioners who would not benefit from it based on their perceived wealth.
Impact of Winter Fuel Payment Cuts on Vulnerable Pensioners
Age UK has warned that as many as two million older people who are already struggling with escalating energy bills will be affected adversely by these cuts. This includes key groups such as:
- Low-income pensioners just above the Pension Credit threshold.
- Individuals with high energy needs due to disability or chronic illness.
- Approximately 800,000 eligible pensioners who do not currently receive Pension Credit.
Uncertainty in Scotland
The future of WFP in Scotland is uncertain as its devolution is imminent this year. Age UK is worried about whether the UK government will choose to withdraw funding for the WFP, thereby undermining what Scottish seniors could expect.
The petition asserts: “Cutting the Winter Fuel Payment this winter, with virtually no notice and no compensatory measures to protect poor and vulnerable pensioners, is the wrong policy decision. Millions of struggling pensioners won’t receive up to £300 they rely on to pay their bills.”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been told to look again at the plans. Speaking on BBC Breakfast’s Stephen Flynn (SNP leader at Westminster) stated that no final decision had yet been made about the New Pension Age Winter Heating payment which was being planned to replace Winter Fuel Payment (WFP).
Eligibility Criteria
Retirement credits are available to UK residents aged sixty-six and above for at least one day during the eligible week in September (22-28) and who receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance.
There is a calculator that can be used by those who are unsure of whether they qualify for the pension credit.