The Winter Fuel Payment for state pensioners might be raised to £370 if the next Labour Party administration gives in to pressure and data.
If the £200 provided for people aged 60 to 79 had increased in value in tandem with inflation, it would now be worth £370, according to a Sky News study in the Money blog.
Calls for Increased Support for Pensioners Facing High Energy Bills
As rising energy prices further burden the elderly, many of whom find it difficult to pay for necessary heating expenses throughout the winter, Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, emphasizes the urgent need for government assistance.
According to reports, the Winter Fuel Payment, which was designed to keep low-income pensioners warm, is no longer in line with the current state of the economy. Abrahams highlights that elderly people with low incomes are particularly at risk, putting their health at risk if they can’t afford proper heating.
Dan White, a policy officer advocating for pensioners with disabilities, reinforces the urgency for increased support. He outlined the specific changes advocates believe are needed:
- Increase the Winter Fuel Payment to reflect actual inflation and energy costs.
- Introduce an energy social tariff targeted specifically at those with high energy costs, especially disabled and elderly individuals.
- Monitor and adjust payments more frequently to prevent further disconnect between support and the real cost of living.
Government Response: DWP Points to Other Benefits and Triple Lock Commitment
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) responded by highlighting several existing support measures aimed at easing the burden on pensioners:
- Triple Lock Commitment: An up to £1,700 rise in state pensions by the end of this Parliament.
- Winter Fuel Payment: Over a million pensioners to continue receiving this support.
- Pension Credit: A 152% increase in claims as a result of the government’s recent awareness drive.
- Warm Home Discount: A £150 discount on energy bills available to qualifying households this winter.
Despite these measures, advocates argue that further action is needed to prevent a looming crisis for vulnerable pensioners this winter.
