State pensioners protest Winter Fuel Payment axe at Downing Street: 'I only have a small income!'
State pensioners protest Winter Fuel Payment axe at Downing Street
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Campaigners are delivering a box containing over 500,000 signatures to Downing Street today, protesting the Government's plans to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment.
The hand-in, which 68-year-old Robert Trewhella from Cornwall participated in, aims to challenge the proposed changes which will see 10 million Britons of state pension age losing up to £300 in energy bill support.
These signatures were collected through combined petitions and open letters organised by various charities and campaigning groups, including Independent Age, 38 Degrees, Silver Voices, and Organise.
New research from Independent Age reveals the potential impact of losing the Winter Fuel Payment on older people in England.
The study found that 44 per cent of those aged 65 and over believe the loss will negatively affect their physical health. Many are planning to change their behaviour this winter due to the cut.
Nearly half (49 per cent) of those losing the payment intend to heat and spend time in only one room, with 29 per cent, resorting to this measure specifically because of the change.
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Pensioners are preparing to lose energy bill support GETTY Additionally, 43 per cent plan to wear outdoor clothes indoors, including hats and coats. Of these, 28 per cent said they would make this change solely due to losing the Winter Fuel Payment.
Trewhella shared his personal concerns about the upcoming winter.
He said: "It's not right that so many older people will have money taken away from them this winter."
According to the 68-year-old, his state pension puts him just £2 above the Pension Credit threshold, meaning he will lose the Winter Fuel Payment.
"I only have a small income and in the past, the extra money has helped keep my flat warm," he added.
"It's not right that so many older people will have money taken away from them this winter."
Expressing his worry about the cold months ahead, Trewhella said: "I hope it doesn't get too cold as I don't think I will be able to turn the heating on often."
Simon Francis, coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, warned of the consequences of effectively cutting Winter Fuel Payments for millions
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The DWP is urging people to speak to their loved ones about checking if they are eligible for Pension Credit PEXELS"The new figures confirm that many older people will now start to develop unsafe behaviours as a result of the winter fuel payment cuts, including limiting themselves to living in one room of their homes during the winter," Francis said.
Caroline Simpson, spokesperson for Warm This Winter, added: "Over half a million people from all walks of life have voiced their fears about the winter fuel payments being axed through these petitions and we urge the Government to listen to them."
A Government spokesperson said: "This Government is committed to pensioners: protecting the triple lock, keeping energy bills low through our Warm Homes Plan, and cutting NHS waiting lists – bringing real stability to people’s lives.
"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."
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