Charities fear double whammy for pensioners

Charities are warning that pensioners risk “going to bed with their hats and coats on” this winter as energy prices rise and financial support is cut.

Organisations including Independent Age have said some older people will be left without a vital source of income when winter fuel payments are means-tested this time around.

The move comes as gas and electricity prices rise for 27 million homes in Scotland, Wales and England in October.

The government said it was forced to make the cuts and is urging everyone eligible to claim the benefits they are entitled to.

For a household with standard gas and electricity consumption, paying by direct debit, the annual bill will be £1,717 from October, an increase of £149 compared to today.

After two cuts earlier this year, the increase will still leave most people paying slightly less than last winter, but much more than pre-pandemic norms.

Alongside the increase, more than 10 million older people will no longer receive the winter fuel allowance, worth up to £300 and previously universal for pensioners.

It will hurt some more than others, including Brian Jones, from Durham, who said the payment would have helped cover “obscenely inflated energy bills”.

He said he and his wife Carol would have to “grab the bull by the horns” when it came to their finances.

They invested in a new electric oven and got rid of their gas oven, which was too expensive to operate. They also wear more clothes so they can keep the thermostat low and stay warm in the winter.

He added that they were feeling really extravagant recently when they bought lamps that had gone up in price, only because they had cut back on other purchases that week.

Libby Romain, from Wiltshire, said she would be just above the eligibility criteria for the winter fuel payment and would therefore be excluded.

She said she felt “totally cheated, worthless and sick” because of the government’s plan.

“Why should other groups be considered eligible for a better standard of living than those who have contributed to (and constitute) the economic backbone of the country?” she said.

“The deputies, who have no idea what it means to fight, are now depriving those who need it most of an annual necessity.”

The End Fuel Poverty Coalition has called on the government to come up with a plan to prevent more households falling into fuel poverty this winter as pensioner support is cut.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director of Age UK, said: that these “reckless” projects would have a significant impact on low- and moderate-income retirees, as well as those living in vulnerable conditions due to poor health.

“We just don’t see how some of them are going to make it,” she said.

Earlier this week, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said the new Labour government had been forced to make “difficult decisions”.

“But I am determined to ensure that low-income retirees are supported,” she said.

Ms Romain is disabled and said the cold had affected her condition.

James Taylor, executive director of strategy at disability equality charity Scope, said higher energy costs would be disastrous for disabled households.

Some, including wealthier retirees themselves, have argued that the money previously paid out in winter fuel payments could be better spent.

Citizens Advice said it was still a poorly targeted benefit and not necessarily focused on those who needed it most.

“Many of the people who are struggling most to cope with energy costs are young people, those on low incomes or those with children,” said Alex Belsham-Harris, from the charity.

“These are the households that are most at risk of fuel poverty. That is why, in general, we need a more targeted approach from the government this winter.”

An estimated 880,000 low-income pensioner households eligible for Pension Credit are not currently claiming it.

The government says the support is worth an average of £3,900 a year and can help people qualify for other financial support such as winter fuel payments.

You can check your eligibility for pension credit via the government’s online calculator.

Information is also available on how to do this. make a claimA telephone line is also available during the week: 0800 99 1234.

There is a guide to benefits, eligibility requirements and what to do if there is a problem provided by the independent body MoneyHelper Websitesupported by the government.

Benefits calculators are also managed by Politics in practiceand charities NotedAnd Turn to us.