Pensioners have been warned their energy bills could rise by 15 per cent this winter. More than 50 organisations have written to Chancellor Rachel Reeves over her decision to scrap Winter Fuel Payments for all but a minority of pensioners this winter. The groups, which make up the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, said it will result in pensioners not on means-tested benefits seeing a 15 per cent increase in their energy bills this winter.
A letter from the group to the Chancellor said: “The decision to remove the payment to all but a small minority of pensioners will see millions more older people face the prospect of spending this winter in cold, damp homes.” What is the Winter Fuel Payment? The benefit was previously available to almost everyone in the UK who was born before 25 September 1957 to help cover their heating costs. The payments of up to £300 have been made available to everyone above state pension age in the past.
However, from this winter only those on Pension Credit or means-tested benefits will get the Winter Fuel Payment - those on the credit will get £200 and £300 if someone is over 80. The Treasury said the winter fuel changes would see the number of pensioners receiving the payments fall from 11.4 million to 1.
5 million – so just under 10 million would miss out. They added that about £1.5 billion will be saved per year by targeting winter fuel payments.
Martin Lewis hits out at Winter Fuel Payment decision The Chancellor’s decision to end the previ.