The campaign against the Chancellor’s decision to axe Winter Fuel Payments from millions of older people has continued into a fourth week.
In a speech to the media in Downing Street, the Prime Minister attempted to justify the impact of the decision after a report from Age UK found that nearly 2 million pensioners could face poverty this winter.
The Prime Minister hit out at “rot” in the system which had harmed the nation’s finances, that the Payments were “not a particularly well designed scheme” and that “support” will be there for the pensioners who need it the most. The PM hinted that those in society with the “broadest shoulders” could expect to see tax rises in the Budget.
However, analysis has found that some older people will face 131% year-on-year bill increases and the Pension Credit system has been hit with delays in processing applications.
Over 400,000 people have signed a Age UK petition with 300,000 signing a 38 Degrees petition and over 4,500 members of the public have shared their concerns with MPs via the Warm This Winter campaign.
A spokesperson for the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, commented:
“Axing Winter Fuel Payments is not about rot in the system, it is about basic fairness for older people facing soaring energy bills.
“In real terms, the changes this winter mean that some older people will face the highest energy bills on record.
“This has the potential to create a public health emergency which will actually create more pressure on the under-pressure NHS which the Prime Minister says he wants to fix.
“The impact of living in cold damp homes is particularly harsh on those older people with a disability, a long term health condition or with poor mental health. It results in people turning to an NHS and, in some cases, can result in additional winter deaths.
“Ending energy debt, extending the Household Support Fund, expanding Warm Home Discounts and evolving standing charges are all now needed urgently to help mitigate the impact of high bills and the axe to the Winter Fuel Payment.
“But as well as support this winter, the public need to see a clear timetable for when the very real benefits of cheaper renewable energy and the Warm Homes Plan will kick in.
“If the Prime Minister needs to find some ‘broad shoulders’ to pay for this support, let’s not forget that every month we hear about more massive profits for firms in the wider energy industry.”
Jonathan Bean from Fuel Poverty Action, added:
“Reeves’ reckless decision has robbed pensioners of their winter heating lifeline, just as prices rise again. Urgent action is needed by the Government and Ofgem on inflated energy prices, high standing charges and obscene profits.”