Reduction in winter fuel payment could put pensioners at risk

Following the announcement in the Budget yesterday that the Government will be withdrawing the temporary increase to the winter fuel payment, uSwitch.com, the independent price comparison and switching service, warns that the Government needs to ensure it protects the most vulnerable this winter.

Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com, says: "The Government needs to understand that pensioners are already concerned about next winter. The withdrawal of the extra payments of £50 for those under 80 and £100 for those over 80, will hit pensioners hard, especially the large number that are living in fuel poverty. This group in particular needs as much help and support as possible from the Government.

"Last December was the coldest in 100 years but 55% of people went without heating at some point during the winter to keep their energy costs down while two in ten (20%) regularly went without. This year, without extra help, many pensioners will be condemned to another cold miserable winter and may suffer ill health as a result.

"Everyone recognises that the Government does not have a bottomless pit of money, which makes it even more important that any payments, such as the winter fuel payment, are targeted at those who need it the most, such as pensioners in receipt of pension credit. If the winter fuel payment is targeted at them rather than being a universal payment, which is enjoyed by all pensioners regardless of their income, this could enable the very poorest or most vulnerable to be given that little bit more.

"Now this payment has been reduced again it's more important than ever that households manage their energy bills by paying the lowest possible price for their energy and cutting down on the amount they use through sensible energy efficiency steps and measures."