The UK Government’s decision to make Winter Fuel Payments means-tested has sparked fierce opposition from charities and politicians. Age UK’s online petition against the change has garnered over 517,000 signatures. The new rule, effective from September 16, will affect around 10 million pensioners, including 850,000 in Scotland, who will miss out on energy bill help of up to £300 unless they receive an income-related benefit such as Pension Credit.
Age UK strongly opposes the policy, stating, “Means-testing the Winter Fuel Payment, with no notice and no compensatory measures to protect poor and vulnerable pensioners, is the wrong policy choice and one that will potentially jeopardise the health and finances of millions of older people this winter.”
The policy change affects pensioners across the UK and those living abroad. It has also delayed the launch of a devolved benefit set to replace Winter Fuel Payment for pensioners in Scotland until winter 2025/26. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched a new awareness campaign to drive the take-up of Pension Credit, collaborating with local authorities to link Housing Benefit with Pension Credit.
Means-tested benefits spark strong opposition
Tory leadership hopeful James Cleverly called the decision “unbelievably foolish,” while Liberal Democrat work and pensions spokeswoman Wendy Chamberlain termed it a “historic mistake.” Labour leaders defended the move, citing the need to address a £22 billion deficit in public finances inherited from the Conservatives. Eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments will change this year, with people needing to meet specific criteria based on age and receipt of qualifying income-related benefits.
Payment rates vary depending on living arrangements and age, ranging from £100 to £300. Nearly 1.4 million older people across Great Britain, including over 125,000 in Scotland, currently receive Pension Credit. The DWP encourages older people to check their eligibility using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK or by contacting the Pension Credit helpline.
In related news, a York MP expressed skepticism about proposals to tie Winter Fuel Payments to council tax bands, while North West Leicestershire District Council encourages older people to claim Pension Credit to retain their winter fuel allowance payment. The local MP supported the government’s decision and outlined measures to support pensioners, including the extension of the Household Support Fund and the Warm Homes Plan.
