Annual household energy bills are set to rise by 10 per cent this week - after the UK Government removes Winter Fuel Payments for around 10 million State Pensioners
Millions of households are bracing themselves for a 10 per cent hike in energy bills, from £1,568 to £1,717, starting October 1. This £149 increase will affect those on standard tariffs, coinciding with the UK Government's decision to cut Winter Fuel Payments for around 10 million state pensioners.
Caroline Abrahams, Age UK's charity director, criticized restricting the Winter Fuel Payment to those on Pension Credit, calling it "reckless and wrong" and warning it "spells disaster for pensioners on low and modest incomes". An online petition launched by a charity following Chancellor Rachel Reeves' announcement on July 29, has garnered over 538,500 virtual signatures of support.
Other charities and campaign groups have proposed alternative measures to alleviate the impact of rising energy bills. Citizens Advice has called for "targeted bill support", while the End Fuel Poverty Coalition advocates for the expansion of other support funds and a reduction in standing charges. He added: "For older people who previously received the Winter Fuel Payment, but will no longer do so under the Chancellor's new rules, the situation is even worse. For many pensioners, this winter will feel like the most expensive on record."
This implies they can't claim Pension Credit or pension age Housing Benefit until both partners reach State Pension age. Prior to this change by the DWP, a mixed age couple could qualify for the more generous State Pension age benefits when just one partner reached State Pension age. All that's left to do then is follow the link to the application page to find out exactly what you will get from the DWP, including access to other financial support.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Reverse Winter Fuel Payment cut now before bills soar, fuel poverty groups urgeIt comes as nearly 1million Scots pensioners face brutal energy price rises next week along with the loss of the Winter Fuel Payment.
Read more »
DWP Winter Fuel Payment update: MPs vote to CUT £300 paymentA vote in the Commons today means cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment will go ahead, despite strong opposition
Read more »
New call for Winter Fuel Payment consultation before cutting money for millionsThe UK Government has been urged to introduce new financial support measures for 10 million pensioners.
Read more »
DWP Winter Fuel Payment urgent call 'do one thing' nowThe Labour government has plans to make the Winter Fuel Payment only available to those on certain means-tested benefits, but the fight is not over, one charity has said
Read more »
Labour could be forced into winter fuel payment U-turn after call for fresh voteUnite is set to force a vote in Liverpool tomorrow to reverse the government's decision to scrap the winter fuel payment
Read more »
Pensioner Faces Tough Winter After Losing Winter Fuel PaymentA 72-year-old pensioner from Nottingham, Mark, will be without the Winter Fuel Payment this year due to new rules. Facing over £9,000 in debt and struggling with rising costs, Mark worries he'll have to go without essentials this winter. He criticizes the Labour party for letting down pensioners and expresses his support for a campaign advocating for the payment's reinstatement.
Read more »