A petition calling on the UK Government to reverse changes to Winter Fuel Payment eligibility has garnered over 55,000 signatures, potentially leading to a Parliamentary debate. The changes, implemented by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, now require recipients to be over 66 and in receipt of means-tested benefits like Pension Credit to qualify for the annual payment. This leaves an estimated 10 million older people, including 850,000 Scots, without the support.
The Department for Work and Pensions recently rejected proposals in an online petition calling on the UK Government to “reverse” the eligibility rule changes to Winter Fuel Payment s and issue the annual heating help to everyone over State Pension age. Despite the response, more than 55,700 people have signed the e-petition which could see the controversial decision debated by MPs.
In a written response to the petition, the DWP said: “The Government has no plans to reverse the means testing of the Winter Fuel Payment but is focusing on increasing Pension Credit take-up to ensure all eligible pensioners continue to receive support.” The DWP responded: “Given the substantial fiscal pressures this year and next, the Government has had to make difficult decisions to bring the public finances under control. This includes the decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment, so it is better targeted to low-income pensioners who need it.
They said: “We are inviting these pensioners to claim Pension Credit ahead of 21st December so that, thanks to the Pension Credit backdating rules, they may also be entitled to this year’s Winter Fuel Payment.
Winter Fuel Payment Pensioners Government Policy NHS Petition
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