A statement on the cutting of the winter fuel allowance

Our response to the government’s decision to restrict winter fuel payments for pensioners.

Toynbee Hall’s frontline advisors, who work daily with people on low incomes, warn of the serious harm of the government’s plan to eliminate winter fuel payments for pensioners not receiving pension credit or a short list of other means-tested benefits. We know that around 880,000 households aren’t claiming pension credit despite being eligible–showing the work the government still has to do to improve access to this vital income source. We also know that many people who are on incomes above the pension credit eligibility limit still struggle to afford even basics like heating.

Our advisors have described the sudden restricted targeting of the winter fuel as a blunt instrument and short-sighted. This proposed change would force people into difficult decisions this winter about whether they can afford to heat their home adequately or not. It should go without saying that if people cannot afford to turn on the heat, there will absolutely be knock on effects on their health and wellbeing.

The government’s proposals for targeting the payments go too far too fast and many older people will be harmed. We call on the government to reconsider this proposed change and broaden the eligibility for winter fuel payments to those on low incomes—whether or not they receive pension credit—to mitigate harm to older people in the ongoing cost of living crisis.