2024-08-23 21:09:33
Brian Jones Pensioners may have to “sleep in their hats and coats” this winter due to rising energy prices and the removal of financial support, charities have warned.
Organizations such as Independent Age say the winter fuel subsidy will be means-tested and some older people will lose an important source of income.
Gas and electricity prices are set to rise for 27 million homes in Scotland, Wales and England in October.
The government said it was forced to cut benefits and urged all eligible people to claim the benefits they are entitled to.
Price increase
For a household with typical gas and electricity consumption, who pays by direct debit, the annual bill will rise to £1,717 from October, £149 more than now.
Despite two reductions earlier this year, the increase will still leave most people paying slightly less than last winter, but well above pre-pandemic standards.
As the payment rises, more than 10 million older people will no longer receive the winter fuel benefit, which has a maximum payment of £300 and was previously a universal payment for pensioners.
It will hurt some people more than others, including Brian Jones from Durham, who said the subsidy was supposed to help pay for “exorbitant energy bills”.
He said he and his wife, Carol, had to “bite the bullet” when it came to finances.
They bought a new electric oven and got rid of their gas oven because it was too expensive. They also wore more clothes so they could turn the temperature down and stay warm in the winter.
He added that they felt really extravagant recently buying lamb chops because they noticed the price had gone up, so they did it only because they cut back on other purchases that week.
Libby Romain, from Wiltshire, said she just met the eligibility criteria for the winter fuel subsidy and would lose out on it.
She said the government’s plan made her feel “completely deceived, worthless and disgusting”.
Libby Roman“Why should other groups also be considered eligible [for] than those who have paid [and form] “Are you the economic pillar of the country?” she asked.
“Lawmakers have no idea what it’s like to struggle, yet they are taking away annual necessities from those who need it most.”
The End Fuel Poverty Alliance is calling on the government to set out a plan to prevent more households falling into fuel poverty this winter after pensioner support is removed.
Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: These “reckless” plans will have a huge impact on low- and middle-income pensioners and people living in vulnerable circumstances due to poor health.
“We simply cannot imagine how some people will cope,” she said.
Earlier this week, Liz Kendall, the work and pensions secretary, said the new Labour government was being forced to make “tough decisions”.
“But I am determined to ensure low-income pensioners are supported,” she said.
Ms. Roman, who is disabled, said the cold had affected her physical condition.
James Taylor, executive director of strategy at disability equality charity Scope, said higher energy costs would be devastating for disabled households.
Providing help to those in need
Some, including some wealthier pensioners, believe the money previously handed out in the form of winter fuel benefits could be better spent.
The Citizens Advice Bureau said the benefit was always a poorly targeted benefit and was not necessarily focused on those who needed it most.
Alex Belsham-Harris from the charity said: “Many people struggling with energy costs are young, on low incomes or with children.”
“These households are most at risk of falling into fuel poverty so, overall, we need to see a more targeted approach from the government this winter.”
How to apply for benefits for some pensioners
It is estimated that approximately 880,000 low-income pension families who are eligible for the pension are currently not receiving it.
The government said the payment was worth an average of £3,900 a year and claimed it could make people eligible for other financial support such as the winter fuel benefit.
You can check if you are eligible for a pension by: Government online calculator.
It also provides information on how to Filing a claimYou can also call on weekdays: 0800 99 1234.
The independent body provides a guide to benefits, when you are eligible to receive them and what to do if there is a problem MoneyHelper websitewith government support.
Benefit calculator also provided by Policy Practiceand charities Entitledand Transfer 2us.
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