Winter Fuel Payment cuts warning issued as some pensioners face 'cruel' Christmas freeze
The winter fuel payment, which is worth up to £300, has made the difference for many older people worried about being able to afford both heating and eating.
Rachel Reeves discusses axeing of winter fuel payments
Mr Francis said: “These are some of the homes which government schemes need to prioritise for better insulation, but while we wait for more details of ministers’ warm homes plan, taking away financial support from pensioners in off-grid homes is particularly cruel.”
The loss of the winter fuel payment means pensioners will be the only age group to see their bills rise compared to last year, according to the End Fuel Poverty Coalition.
David Bean, of the Countryside Alliance, warned: “The Government’s decision to restrict the winter fuel allowance risks overlooking the higher rates of fuel poverty in rural areas, and the added heating costs faced by households without a gas connection, which are more prevalent in rural Britain.
“Without further action to improve the insulation of rural homes and the competitiveness of the market for heating oil, a blanket policy of restricting the winter fuel allowance to those on pension credit or other means-tested benefits risks further exacerbating the rural premium: the added costs people face simply for living in the countryside.”
Former Lib Dem leader Tim Farron MP told the Telegraph: “This winter, pensioners facing high energy bills must be able to heat their homes. That’s why the winter fuel payment is so important for millions of households across the country.
“The Chancellor’s changes to winter fuel payments will add to those worries. Rural communities have already been hit hard by the cost of living crisis caused by the previous government.”
A government spokesman said: “We said we would be honest with the public and, given the dire state of the public finances we have inherited, this Government must take difficult decisions to fix the foundations of the economy.
“In these circumstances, it is right that winter fuel payments are targeted at those in most need, and we will work with local authorities to boost the uptake of pension credit, reaching the many pensioners who could still benefit from this year’s winter fuel payments.”