Winter Fuel Payment axe could push 1.6m disabled pensioners to 'go without heating or medicine'
Charities are warning that disabled Brits will be badly impacted by the payment being means-teste
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Charities are calling on the Government to reverse its decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment as 1.6 million disabled pensioners face losing vital cost of living support in the coming months.
Scope UK is warning that older Britons with an illness or health condition could "go without heating and forego medical treatment" in the wake of the decision.
According to the Government department's own figures, one in seven disabled OAPs will lose access to the allowance as a result, the equivalent to 1.6 million pensioners.
This comes ahead of Ofgem's 10 per cent increase to the energy price cap on October 1 which will see the typical household with average usage pay more in winter.
In July, Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed Labour's plan to link eligbility for the energy bill benefit, which is worth up to £300, to Pension Credit from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Earlier this week, MPs voted to annul a motion to annul the Government's mean-testing of the energy bill benefit in a win for Reeves.
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Winter fuel payments have been cut for millions of pensionersPAOverall, 10 million pensioners are predicted to be impacted by the move to effectively scrap the Winter Fuel Payment for certain households going forward.
However, older Britons with a disability are going to be among the groups hit hardest with 1.6 million people in the firing line.
This has led to disability rights organisations speaking out about the Government's push to means-test payments.
James Taylor, Scope’s executive director of strategy and social change, voiced his "concern" over Labour's latest move and urged them to reconsider.
He explained: "We know it will make life harder for older disabled people. It’s true some disabled pensioners receive pension credit but there are an alarming number who will miss out this winter.
“Life already costs more when you’re disabled. Higher electricity bills because of medical equipment to power. Higher heating bills because of health conditions affected by the cold.
“Since the cost of living crisis, Scope’s helpline has heard from disabled people who are cutting back on everything they can.
"Going without heating, forgoing medical treatment. Sacrifices that put their health at risk.”
Labour has received backlash from the across aisle with Conservative and Liberal Democrat MPs voting for means-testing to be annulled.
Laura Trott, shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, described the policy move as as "downright disgrace".
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Rachel Reeves has insisted the move is necessaryPAThe Lib Dem's pensions spokesperson Wendy Chamberlain MP added: "Pensioners across the country are terrified that during a cost of living crisis, the government is set to strip desperately needed support away from the most vulnerable.”
A Government spokesperson told GB News: “While it is not routine to publish advice as part of the development of policy, we have published the equality analysis on winter fuel payment eligibility.
“Our focus is on ensuring that those who should be claiming this support are receiving it alongside the wider support for vulnerable households, including the warm homes discount, worth £150, and household support fund to help people with the cost of living and energy bills.
“Over a million pensioners will continue to receive winter fuel payments and through our commitment to protect the triple lock those on the full new state pension will receive an extra £400 – twice the average winter fuel payment.”
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