According to Age UK, a charity organization, four out of five pensioners who are living below or just above the poverty line will lose their winter fuel payment if planned benefit cuts are implemented. The charity’s analysis suggests that 10.7 million UK pensioners will be affected, with almost one in four of them living in poverty or just above the poverty line.
Among those affected, 80% (800,000) of UK pensioners aged 80 and over who are living in poverty or just above the poverty line will no longer receive the payment. Additionally, 78% (1.1 million) of pensioners with disabilities in similar circumstances will also lose the benefit. The study also shows that 76% (one million) of UK pensioners who live alone and are in poverty or just above the poverty line will no longer receive their payment.
Age UK has conducted its own Equality Impact Assessment of the proposed cuts and is calling on the government to take action in the Budget to prevent a potential crisis for many pensioners this winter. The government’s own analysis estimates that 780,000 pensioners who are still eligible for the winter fuel payment will lose it under the planned cuts.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has stated that more than two-thirds of those with disabilities and 83% of those aged 80 or over will miss out on the payment. However, Downing Street has not conducted a full impact assessment of the change, which is set to take effect this year. Age UK has emphasized the importance of keeping the payment universal this year and expanding the eligibility criteria to include more recipients.
The charity’s director, Caroline Abrahams, highlighted the potential disaster facing millions of older people on low incomes if the government does not change course quickly. Age UK is urging older individuals struggling with their bills to contact their free advice line or visit their website for support and information on available financial assistance.
In response, a Government spokesman emphasized their commitment to supporting pensioners, citing the increase in state pensions and efforts to boost Pension Credit uptake. They also mentioned the Warm Home Discount and extension of the Household Support Fund as measures to help with energy bills and other expenses. Age UK continues to advocate for older individuals to access all available financial support and resources to alleviate financial burdens during the winter months.
