Influential Commons committee has demanded answers and has called for the DWP to extend the criteria so more people get the vital money
The Government has given an update on a key response over the potential impact of the axing of the winter fuel payment for around 10 million pensioners - and if the eligibility criteria could be extended. A legal challenge is currently taking place against the ‘cruel’ cut which has seen the cash, which is worth £2-300, removed from anyone who doesn’t claim Pensions Credit.
The Commons Social Security Advisory Committee letter, published on 17 October 2024, on the means-testing of winter fuel payments, has not yet been replied to. “The committee wrote the Secretary of State a letter containing its concerns about how the policy will affect the poorest people. It said that 70% of disabled pensioners will miss out on their payment this winter, and it suggested expanding the eligibility for winter fuel payments beyond pension credit because the committee knows that the Government’s savings are based on a third of the poorest pensioners missing out.
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