Figures show the number of older people receiving the winter fuel payment in England and Wales plummeted last year, following the government’s decision to cut the benefit in favour of means-testing
Previously reaching nearly 11 million people, the annual payment—designed to help older people manage heating costs—was limited in July 2024 to those on low incomes or receiving pension credit. The policy change, driven by chancellor Rachel Reeves and justified on fiscal grounds, prompted widespread anger.
Newly released data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveals deep regional disparities: only 5% of pensioners in affluent areas like Hart and Wokingham received the payment, compared with 49% in Tower Hamlets. The national average was 13%.
Following a backlash—including from Labour MPs who blamed the cuts for the party’s poor performance in May’s local elections—Reeves announced a partial reversal in June. Pensioners with annual incomes under £35,000 will now qualify, with over three-quarters expected to receive support this winter. Letters confirming eligibility will be sent in October and November.
The payment remains worth £200 for most pensioners and £300 for those aged over 80. In Scotland, where ministers opposed the cuts, the benefit will rise in line with inflation this winter, to £203.40 or £305.10.
Energy bills are also set to rise by 2% this October under Ofgem’s updated price cap – another reminder of how vital financial support is at the moment, especially for the country’s most vulnerable.
A government spokesperson said nine million pensioners would now receive the payment and reaffirmed support for the triple lock on pensions.
‘Thanks to our efforts to boost pension credit take-up, over 57,000 extra pensioner households were awarded the benefit, worth on average £4,300 a year,’ they added.
Photo by Jari Hytönen via UnSplash
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