Mid-Bedfordshire MP Blake Stephenson (Conservative) has called for local people to sign a petition urging the Government to U-turn on its decision to end winter fuel payments for what could be up to 10 million pensioners.
The new Labour Government announced an end to universal Winter Fuel Payments to pensioners, with only those in receipt of pension credit or means-tested benefits eligible going forward.
Winter Fuel Payments were introduced in 1997 to help older people pay for their heating bills during the colder months. It has previously been given to all pensioners born before 23 September 1958, regardless of income, up to £300 each year.
But chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in July that the government would be limiting the number of people who will get the yearly Winter Fuel Payment.
Mr Stephendson says this could see 46,862 pensioners in Central Bedfordshire and 27,357 pensioners in Bedford losing their winter fuel allowance.
Now, charity Age UK has set up a petition against the changes which has already been signed by 482,000 people sign so far.
“I have been clear from the start that I am opposed to the Labour Government’s decision to remove Winter Fuel Payments from vulnerable pensioners here in Mid Bedfordshire.
“They should reverse the decision now and restore the winter fuel allowance to all pensioners,” said Mr Stephenson.
It’s reported that more than 50 organisations have formed an End Fuel Poverty Coalition which has also written to the Chancellor.
They say ending the Winter Fuel Payments will result in pensioners not on means-tested benefits seeing a 15 per cent increase in their energy bills this winter.
“Last year the Conservative Government provided a Cost Of Living energy payment to pensioners of £300 to help over winter meaning some pensioners could be losing as much as £600 this year under the new Government with just a few months’ notice,” added Mr Stephenson
“Pensioners shouldn’t have to worry about whether they will be able to afford to heat their homes this winter so I have added my name to the petition and I hope others will too to send a clear message to the new Government that they should do the right thing.
“While we fight for this, I would urge all pensioners to check if they are eligible for certain benefits such as Pension Credit, which would re-open access to a Winter Fuel Allowance.”
To sign the Age UK petition here.
Check if you’re eligible for pension credit
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) says an estimated 800,000 pensioners are not claiming Pension Credit even though they’re eligible.
You can check eligibility at Gov.uk and apply here or over the phone by calling 0800 99 1234 (Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm)
Pensioners who own their own home or have savings or a private pension income could still be eligible. The DWP’s online calculator can be used to work out how much an individual could get.
For more information visit the Pension Credit Gov.uk page.
The Chancellor has defended the government’s decision to cut winter fuel payments for some pensioners, saying that any losses will be offset by increases to pensions and lower energy prices this winter compared with last year.
Ms Reeves said the state pension was now worth £900 more than in 2023, and that it will rise again next April under the triple lock agreement.
The Telegraph reports that the state pension will rise by £400 a year, taking it up to around £12,000 in 2025/26.
