CSPA Campaigning
Winter Fuel Payment
Winter Fuel Payment
Chancellor Rachel Reeves addressed the House of Commons on Monday 29th July, outlining the Treasury’s spending review findings, and setting out several ways in which the new Government plans to address the “black hole” left in public finances by the estimated £22 billion pound overspend of the previous Government.
Winter Fuel Payments, which have in recent years been paid to all pensioners tax-free, are to be restricted to those on Pension Credit and certain other benefits only this year.
We, at the CSPA will be strongly campaiginig against this, on behalf of our members and pensioners across the UK.
“Whilst energy bills have reduced since their peaks in 2021 and 2022, our members and others are finding that prices have remained relatively much higher than they were just a few years ago. “We know only too well that far too many pensioners who are eligible to receive Pension Credit payments, and other benefits, are simply not applying for them for a whole host of reasons, with estimates of the numbers in this category being in the hundreds of thousands. We call upon the Government to widen the net significantly to ensure that all those who are in need of additional support to be able to heat their homes this Winter can benefit from Winter Fuel Payments and not be forced to choose between heating and eating”.
Campaign Activity
Save the Winter Fuel Payment for struggling pensioners
Millions of struggling pensioners won’t receive up to £300 they rely on to pay their bills.
The Government should halt their proposed change to the Winter Fuel Payment and think again.
Sign Age UK’s petition to save the winter fuel payment for struggling pensioners.
Pension Credit - Are you eligible?
The Department for Work and Pensions has urged pensioners to check whether they are eligible for Pension Credit to secure the Winter Fuel Payment.
The press release referenced the “difficult” decision to move the Winter Fuel Payment to a means-tested model, meaning it will be delivered to those on Pension Credit, targeting those “most in need”.
While around 1.4 million pensioners are already receiving Pension Credit, there are up to an estimated 880,000 households eligible for the support who are yet to claim. The Government have stated that they are committed to working with local authorities and older people’s charities and groups to boost these numbers.
