Martin Lewis has clashed with government minister Lisa Nandy over the decision to scrap the £300 Winter Fuel Payments for millions of pensioners. During a heated exchange on Good Morning Britain, the MoneySavingExpert founder called the move “indefensible” and criticized the government for failing to support the poorest pensioners. Martin Lewis spoke directly to the Culture Secretary, “Why are you defending this?
Lewis continues, “You’ve been a campaigner for the poorest in society for so long, yet you’re sitting there defending a policy that charities like AgeUK are pulling their hair out about.”
"Pensioners are net gainers this year, so it's fine for them to lose winter fuel payments."
I've had a few replies like that, so want to clear it up. Specially about the 780,000 I've been talking about , who are eligible for Pension Credit, thus qualify for Winter Fuel Payment…
— Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) October 9, 2024
FULL Winter Fuel Payment interview with Lisa Nandy: ” I’m sorry if my frustration about the risk to the 780,000 poorest pensioners missing spilled over with slightly bad language.”
The 50 richest families in Britain are worth £500 billion, the same wealth as half of Britain. Taxing just 1% more on the richest 1% would create £25 billion in one year. Why is that not the choice being made instead of cutting the #WinterFuelAllowance https://t.co/oiZmKAQf7I
— Sharon Graham (@UniteSharon) October 8, 2024
The row comes after AgeUK urged the government to reconsider the policy, arguing that the poorest pensioners, some of whom earn under £11,000 a year, would be left without crucial support. Lewis highlighted the government’s failure to reach those most in need, describing the policy as a “huge flaw.” He added, “You’re not writing individual letters to the hardest-to-reach pensioners.
Nandy defended the government’s efforts, pointing to a significant increase in pension credit claims, but Lewis was unconvinced. He argued that it would take four years for everyone to be signed up, asking, “What’s the solution now?
Why aren’t you writing them letters?”
Our new analysis shows 1.1 million pensioners with a disability who are living in poverty or just above the poverty line, will lose the Winter Fuel Payment.
People with disabilities are likely to have higher energy costs and will be dreading this winter.https://t.co/4wIJ8ag5Qb
— Age UK Campaigns (@ageukcampaigns) October 9, 2024
The government cut to the Winter Fuel Payment means that only pensioners who claim pension credit or certain other means-tested benefits will be eligible. Previously, around 11 million people of state pension age were eligible, regardless of income.
Martin Lewis criticizes fuel cuts
However, around 880,000 eligible pensioners on the lowest incomes may miss out on the energy help because they haven’t claimed pension credit. Lewis said, “You’re taking money out of their hands. Are you willing to accept the collateral damage of pensioners not getting the Winter Fuel Payment?”
Nandy insisted efforts are being made to reach pensioners, mentioning an extended deadline for pension credit applications.
However, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirmed that the deadline has not been extended. Eligible pensioners can still receive backdated payments but have yet to apply. Claims for pension credit can be backdated up to three months.
As the qualifying week for the Winter Fuel Payment is September 16 to 22, the last date for claiming the benefit covering these dates is December 21. Martin Lewis remains skeptical that many of the most vulnerable will get help. With winter just around the corner, time is running out, and the pressure is on the government to ensure no one is left out in the cold.
