The 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
Age UK has vowed to keep pressing for a reassessment regarding the Winter Fuel Payment policy. The charity has been at the forefront, urging the Labour government to abandon their intention to limit this financial aid to only those on particular means-tested benefits.
However Age UK Campaigns' Eorann has written to supporters saying the fight is not yet lost. She said: "While I'm disappointed that the Government won the vote to continue their plans, I'm not giving up." "That’s why I’ve decided to keep the petition open for longer. More signatures on the petition mean more attention.
The annual tax-free payment of between £100 and £300 was introduced in 1997 to help eligible pensioners meet the costs of heating their homes in winter. Previously all people over State Pension age qualified for the money. Those aged between 66 and 79 got £200 while those aged 80 and over received £300.
"Right from the start, Age UK has said that we are incredibly worried that means-testing Winter Fuel Payment will make poor pensioners poorer this winter, and that many sick and disabled pensioners will also lose the Payment when they can ill afford to do so. Sadly, this Government document comes to exactly the same conclusion."
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