Age UK calls on government to reconsider winter fuel policy

The government has been urged to look again at its decision to means-test winter fuel payments for pensioners.

According to a poll of pensioners by Age UK:

• 44% are worried about the impact of energy prices on their health
• 41% have cut back on heating or powering their home
• 48% are worried about being able to heat their homes when they want to

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said there is “no doubt” that this is partly because winter fuel payments are now means-tested.

Government must act, says Age UK

The charity has suggested the government take steps such as reinstating winter fuel payments for people on benefits other than pension credit, such as housing benefit, council tax support and carer’s allowance.

Age UK has also suggested reforming and extending eligibility for the warm home discount and introducing a social tariff to give people on low incomes or those with disabilities a guaranteed discount on energy.

“Doing nothing would be completely unacceptable in the face of the evidence we are presenting today,” Ms Abrahams said.

“We hope the government will listen and commit to further action so we don’t see a repeat of this fiasco next year.”

Policy changes ‘popular with public’

Age UK believes making winter fuel payments available to more people would go down well with the public.

A poll showed that 85% believe pensioners with a disability should get winter fuel payments.

Meanwhile, 72% said they think the government should help low-income households get energy-efficient home improvements.

“We cannot and we must not go through this all over again next winter,” Ms Abrahams said.

“Energy prices continue to rise and struggling older people must be better protected now and in the years to come.”

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