New update on calls for Winter Fuel Payments to be given to all pensioners
More than 16,800 people have signed an online petition calling on the UK Government to “immediately” reverse its decision to means-test Winter Fuel Payments and restore the annual heating help to all State Pensioners. The petition is now entitled to a written response from the UK Government after passing the 10,000 signature threshold - at 100,000 it will be considered by the Petitions Committee for debate in Parliament.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced on July 29 that the Winter Fuel Payment would no longer be universally issued to 12.7million pensioners across the UK, a move that will see over 10m people over 66 miss out on payments of up to £300. Despite fierce opposition from MPs across the House, including its own party, campaigners and charities, the Labour Government is standing by its decision to implement the policy change this winter to help plug a ‘£22billion black hole’ left by the Conservatives.
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Petition creator Michael Brian Anderson argues that the eligibility rule change to Winter Fuel Payments could put the NHS under “more pressure” and grimly warns that “pensioners could die if MPs do not act”.
The petition states: “We want the Government to restore the Winter Fuel Payment to how it was paid last winter immediately. We are concerned that pensioners could die if MPs do not act, and that the NHS could be under more pressure.
“It has been reported that a Labour party analysis published in 2017 said plans to cut the fuel allowance for 10 million pensioners could increase excess deaths by almost 4,000 that winter.”
You can view the petition on the UK Government's petitions-parliament website here. To keep up to date with developments on this petition, join the Daily Record Money Saving Scotland Facebook group here.
Winter Fuel Payments will only be issued to people over State Pension age in receipt of a means-tested benefit such as Pension Credit, Tax Credits (with an annual award of at least £26) or Universal Credit (as part of a mixed age couple). An estimated 850,000 Scots are set to miss out on the extra support this winter.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is sending letters to all pensioner households in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland by the end of this month. This will confirm eligibility, how much they are due (if any) and a nudge to check entitlement to Pension Credit.
Some 1.5m people, mostly those on Pension Credit, will receive a Winter Fuel Payment this year, including over 125,000 Scots.
Legal action
Last month, the Court of Session gave a couple from Coatbridge the green light for their case against the Scottish Government and the UK Work and Pensions Secretary to go ahead, with a procedural hearing set for next month ahead of a full “substantive” hearing in January.
The case’s argument rests on the accusation that both governments failed to adequately consult with those of State Pension age on the change and did not release an equality impact assessment on the changes.
A Freedom of Information (FOI) request revealed an abridged version of such an assessment had been carried out by the DWP, with the UK Government arguing a full study was not required.
Govan Law Centre said the permission to proceed, which was granted by Lady Hood in Edinburgh on October 24, means the case has been assessed as having “a real prospect of success” in terms of the applicable legislation.
A spokesperson for Govan Law Centre said: “Our clients are delighted that the court has granted permission for their judicial review challenge to proceed to a full hearing in early January.
“We await a decision on civil legal aid from the Scottish Legal Aid Board early next week in relation to the proceedings.
“If civil legal aid is granted we will then submit an urgent application for sanction for the employment of both junior and senior counsel and will announce our final legal team in early course.”
How to quickly check eligibility for Pension Credit
New claims for Pension Credit made before December 21, 2024, which later turn out to be successful will also be entitled to a backdated Winter Fuel Payment. An award of just £1 per week is enough to unlock additional financial support.
Older people, or friends and family, can quickly check their eligibility and get an estimate of what they may receive by using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK here.
Alternatively, pensioners can contact the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234 - lines are open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Expert help and advice is also available from:
More details about claiming Pension Credit can be fond on GOV.UK here.
