Sales of electric blankets have soared across the UK in the immediate aftermath of Labour's decision to means test the Winter Fuel Allowance, GB News can reveal.
John Lewis & Partners has told GB News it has seen a 173 per cent increase in the sales of heated blankets compared to the same time last year, while analysis of internet search data conducted by this broadcaster indicates there was a sudden explosion in Google searches for electric and heated blankets across the UK from September 10.
The date coincides with when MPs voted on means-testing Winter Fuel Payments.
Responding to our findings, Conservative MP and Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said: "These sales figures are damning and prove the distress Labour has caused pensioners."
Electric blanket sales appear to have increased following the ending of universal Winter Fuel Payments for pensionersPIXELS/PAAnalysis of Google Trends indicates that searched for the term "heated blanket" rose by 75 per cent on the day of the vote compared to on September 9, the day before.
Searches continued to rise in the days afterwards, rising by more than 300 per cent on September 12 when compared to September 9.
While searches for the term are likely to naturally increase each year as Britain enters the autumn, the number of queries on Google on September 12 2024 was significantly higher than at any point in in September 2023.
The Prime Minister has pointed out that the state pension will increase by £460 per year, which will mitigate the loss of the £200-£300 pensioners will incur from the winter fuel allowance being cut.
However, the pension increase will not take effect until 2025, meaning it will be of no help to pensioners this winter as they will lose the vital allowance this year which is typically paid out in October and November.
Stride warned Labour’s winter fuel cut will cause "misery" for pensioners across Britain.
Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said: "These sales figures are damning and prove the distress Labour has caused pensioners."
PA
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has encouraged pensioners that are impacted by the cuts to check to see if they are eligible to claim Pension Credit
PAHe said: "Labour MPs don’t understand the misery they will cause to millions of pensioners this winter who will have to choose between heating and eating.
"Vulnerable pensioners will suffer but all Labour seems interested in is appeasing their union paymasters."
The Central Devon MP added: "According to their own research, thousands of pensioners will die without their winter fuel payments. They must change course now."
The Government's policy could reduce the number of pensioners receiving the payment, which is up to £300, by almost 10 million, saving the Treasury £1.4billion this financial year.
In response, David Pinless, Founder of the Pensioner Vote, said: "Concerned Pensioners have been writing in to The Pensioner Vote asking if there is any way they can mitigate further government assaults by taking action now."
Independent Age a charity that provide advice and support to older people added: "Callers to our helpline tell us they are planning to cut down on food to be able to heat their home, and others are saying they won’t be able to turn the heating on at all.
"While there are things people can do to keep warm this winter, for people in later life in poverty affording a heated blanket may not even be an option."
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has encouraged pensioners that are impacted by the cuts to check to see if they are eligible to claim Pension Credit.
According to the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) more than 880,000 pensioners are not claiming the benefit, which on average amounts to almost £4000,00 per year.
Caroline Abrahams CBE, Charity Director at Age UK said: "Pension Credit not only gives a significant boost to people’s weekly income; it also opens the door to a wealth of extra support including help with energy bills, discounts off household bills, and if you are over 75 a free TV licensee.
"There is a £1.7 billion pot of money waiting for those older people who are entitled to it, and it could make a big difference to their quality of life."
DWP declined to comment when approached by GB News.
