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Winter Fuel Payment Cuts Spark Concerns for Elderly
The ongoing controversy surrounding the government’s reduction of winter fuel payments is anticipated to intensify as new data highlights that over 1 million older adults are foregoing meals due to financial strain.
A recent study underscores that millions are also reducing their heating usage, raising alarms about the potential repercussions for the National Health Service (NHS). The Observer has reported an uptick in applications for pension credit—needed for qualifying for winter fuel payments—leading to delays of up to 12 weeks for some claimants as government resources become overwhelmed.
This weekend, amidst the harsh weather brought by Storm Darragh, more than 7 million pensioners indicated they are lowering their heating settings or minimizing usage to alleviate financial pressure.
According to research by Age UK, this troubling trend disproportionately affects older individuals, particularly those over 66 with chronic health issues, where two-thirds are reportedly struggling to keep warm this winter.
Impact of Policy Changes
The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has implemented significant cuts to winter fuel payments, aiming to save £1.4 billion amid a budget shortfall. Under the revised policy, the winter fuel allowance is now available exclusively to those qualifying for pension credit.
However, the system’s inefficiencies mean that many eligible pensioners might not receive their payments until late winter, despite applications now flooding in at an estimated rate of 10,000 per week.
Caroline Abrahams, director of Age UK, expressed concern over the prolonged delays facing pension credit applications. “The entire system has been overwhelmed,” she noted, warning that applicants could see their eligibility confirmed but still wait until the end of winter for the necessary support. This scenario poses particular risks for those with long-term health challenges, which could exacerbate existing health crises and add to the burdens on the NHS.
Rising Applications and Financial Pressure
Official statistics reveal that since Reeves’s announcement in July, approximately 150,000 claims for pension credit have been submitted, which is a staggering 145% increase compared to the preceding 16 weeks.
Government representatives argue that pensioners are set to benefit significantly from a projected increase in the state pension, which could reach up to £1,900 over this parliamentary term. Despite this, critics are skeptical about whether these measures will be sufficient amidst widespread and rising economic anxiety.
A spokesperson confirmed that extra personnel have been recruited to manage the surge in pension credit applications, noting a 51% increase in processed claims since the winter fuel payment cuts were announced. They also pointed out that many older individuals will still qualify for the £150 warm home discount and additional cold weather payments this winter.
Voices of Concern
Age UK has gathered testimonies from nearly 30,000 pensioners, painting a grim picture of their current struggles. One individual shared, “We cannot afford to heat the bungalow, which is uninsulated and has damaged double glazing. We are just above the limit for any help.”
Another pensioner with a chronic heart condition remarked, “I have ischaemic heart disease and need to keep warm but am too worried about the cost to put my heating on. I keep warm by wrapping up in blankets or going to bed.”
Political Reactions
The government’s decisions have drawn criticism from both the Liberal Democrats and the Conservative Party. Steve Darling, the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for work and pensions, stated, “The government needs to swallow its pride and reverse these reckless cuts that will leave millions of vulnerable people having to choose between heating and eating this winter.”
A government spokesperson responded, emphasizing their commitment to supporting pensioners and highlighting that over a million pensioners will still access winter fuel payments. They pointed out that the application rates for pension credit have dramatically increased, with more than 40,000 additional pensioners now receiving this much-needed financial assistance.
Officials also reiterated that numerous other forms of assistance will be available, including the warm home discount and the household support fund aimed at alleviating the costs of food, heating, and bills.
Source
www.theguardian.com