Winter Fuel Payment cuts spark fury as Reeves told to rethink decision or put 800,000 'older lives at risk'
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has defended the controversial decision
GETTY
Rachel Reeves has been urged to rethink their decision to restrict Winter Fuel Payments as it could leave more than 800,000 vulnerable elderly people without crucial support.
Leading charity Independent Age has raised serious concerns about the Labour Government's decision as it could lead to significant health risks for the elderly.
In an open letter to the Government, the charity stated: "Across the UK, two million older people live in poverty.
"The reality of this is living in damp, cold homes, washing in cold water and not using the cooker, all to save money."
The charity further cautioned that up to 1.2 million older people on low incomes are missing out on vital financial support, as nearly 40 per cent of those eligible for Pension Credit currently don't receive it.
The charity warns that cutting incomes of struggling older people could have severe consequences
GETTYJoanna Elson, Chief Executive of Independent Age, emphasised the potential dangers: "The low take-up numbers show that now is not the right time to make changes to the Winter Fuel Payment, it's dangerous and puts older lives at risk."
The charity's concerns extend beyond immediate financial hardship as they warn that cutting the incomes of struggling older people could have severe consequences.
Elson added: "Many of them will inevitably be pushed further into poverty."
Evidence shows that cutting the incomes of older people struggling to make ends meet will inevitably put further strain on the NHS and social care system as more people will be unable to heat their homes and eat fresh food.
Under the new policy, only pensioners receiving means-tested benefits such as Pension Credit will be eligible for the payment.
The change is expected to affect approximately ten million pensioners.
The Winter Fuel Payment, previously a universal benefit, is worth between £100 and £300 a year. The Government announced this restriction last month, sparking criticism from politicians and the public alike.
The decision has been particularly contentious given the current cost-of-living crisis and its potential impact on vulnerable older people.
Independent Age reports an increase in helpline calls regarding Pension Credit and other entitlements following the announcement.
To boost Pension Credit take-up, a 'Week of Action' has been launched by the Government with money-saving expert Martin Lewis warning that 800,000 pensioners aren't claiming this support and branding it as a "national tragedy".
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Pensioners whose weekly income is below £218.15 for a single person or £332.95 for a couple should check to see if they are eligible for this support which is worth £3,900 a year on average, using DWP’s online calculator.
Pension Credit can also include extra amounts for certain housing costs, such as ground rent or service charges.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer defended the controversial decision, citing economic necessity.
He said: "We have found a £22billion black hole in the economy. And we've got to fix it. This is a tough decision, not a decision I want to make, but I'm absolutely determined will stabilise the economy and fix the foundations.
"What we're not going to do is pretend it isn't there or paper over it. That's what the last government did, and it made it worse."
However, the Prime Minister did express his hope for future improvements.
He said after stabilising the economy, "we can build a better future that pensioners and so many other people voted for in this election".
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