More than 39,000 Bolton pensioners will lose their winter fuel payment benefit from this autumn, figures show. The £200 to £300 benefit was previously available to almost all UK pensioners, whether they were destitute or multi-millionaires. Those on Pension Credit or means-tested benefits can still receive the payment under changes introduced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves which is set to save £5.
5 billion. According to data from the Department of Work and Pensions, this means only about 7,400 Bolton pensioners will receive the payment meant to help with winter fuel costs after the changes, with 84 per cent being ineligible. Bill Ingham with neighbour Lilian Farrington (Image: Newsquest) Many of Bolton's pensioners will not receive the payment because their pension is only a few pounds too high to get Pension Credit.
John Nuttall, 71, is one of them. He said: "I don't get Pension Credit because I'm £2 over the limit. “I get a state pension and £50 a month private.
That is what took me over the limit. "It’s a disgrace what they are doing.” Christine Salt, 77, isn't happy she has to use the money she saved during her working life to spend during her retirement to support her in retirement.
Christine said: "About 18 months ago I moved into rented sheltered accommodation, my rent is just over £200 a week. "As I am not entitled to any benefits and my pension doesn’t cover the rent, never mind electricity, council tax and food , I have to dip into my savings each month. .