John and Wenefreda Dockree, a couple from Tewkesbury, are facing difficulties heating their home despite John's military service. They are just £5 over the threshold for the winter fuel payment, leaving them to rely on layers of clothing and their dogs for warmth.
John and Wenefreda Dockree wear fleece shirts, woolen jumpers, long johns and thick socks to cope with the dropping temperatures. The couple make £5 over the threshold to receive the government winter fuel payment to warm their Tewkesbury house in Gloucestershire. 'If we get too cold, we go to bed. The dogs come to bed with us - the dogs are our hot water bottles,' said Mr Dockree.
A Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson previously said the government has 'no plans to reverse the means testing of the winter fuel payment'. 'To ensure winter fuel payments are received by those on the lowest incomes the government is determined to do everything it can to maximise take-up of pension credit which provides a safety net for pensioners on the lowest incomes and opens the door to other benefits including the winter fuel payment,' they added. 'I never envisioned myself being in this situation,' Mr Dockree added. He served in the Armed Forces, and said not being able to afford to heat his home is 'like a smack in the face'. Since the couple became ineligible for the winter fuel payment, they can only afford to put the heating on for a short period each day, usually an hour. Mr Dockree said his dogs Connor and Miska are a 'godsend' as they keep them warm at night. Mr and Mrs Dockree also struggle with mould in their home due to the cold air, so they leave the door open, despite the weather, to try and prevent it. Mr Dockree, who previously ran as a UKIP councillor, suggested a 'sliding scale' should be introduced by the government, meaning those slightly out of the threshold would receive some of the payment
WINTER FUEL PAYMENT HEAT ARM FORCES COST OF LIVING MOLD
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