The bonus payment has been £10 since it was launched more than 50 years ago
The Department of Work and Pensions has been told to increase its 'worthless' £10 Christmas bonus, which has remained at the same level for more than five decades.
An online petition launched in October 2023 by Sharon McMahon has now received nearly 17,000 signatures as people air their frustrations over the 'stagnant' benefit. Despite rising inflation and increases in the cost of living, the £10 bonus has stayed at the same level since it was introduced under the Pensioners’ and Family Income Supplement Payments Act in 1972.
It comes as prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and chancellor Rachel Reeves are facing criticism for introducing plans to cut the number of people who will be able to claim a Winter Fuel Payment this year. The annual payment for pensioners will be means-tested for the first time so that only people on certain benefits will be able to claim it.
Many of the people signing the petition pointed to the Winter Fuel Payment cut as a key reason the government should up the Christmas bonus this year, with some saying £10 was an 'insult' amid high energy costs and a rise in the cost of supermarket shopping.
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