A local MP has deemed the UK governments refusal to include vulnerable groups in Winter Fuel Payments as ‘devastating.’
Labour’s decision to cut Winter Fuel Payments is set to negatively affect thousands of pensioners across Wales.
Two weeks ago, during Prime Minister’s Questions, Member of Parliament for Carmarthen, Ann Davies, emphasised how rural households in her constituency would suffer due to poor energy efficiency and a reliance on alternative heat sources.
MP Davies said: “I am deeply disappointed by the Government’s refusal to expand Winter Fuel Payment eligibility to include vulnerable groups. According to Age UK, around 540,000 people in Wales alone are set to lose this essential support.
“The impact on pensioners facing rising energy bills and the cost-of-living crisis could be devastating.
"I am also disappointed that these pensioners have yet to be informed, with the DWP only planning to write to them in November.
“Given delays in processing payments, there’s a real risk they may not receive the money until January or February, leaving many to struggle through the bitterly cold winter months without support.
"While I welcome the Government’s decision to reach out to pensioners who may be eligible for Pension Credit, this falls far short of the help needed.
“With so many pensioners set to lose support, the Chancellor must shift priorities in the Budget to ensure they aren’t left to struggle alone. Our pensioners deserve to live in warmth, dignity, and security this winter."
Despite MP Davies continuing to advocate for vulnerable constituents by directly questioning the Department of Work and Pensions, Labour MP Emma Reynolds explained the reasoning behind the Winter Fuel Payment cuts.
MP Reynolds said: “Given the substantial pressures faced by the public finances this year and next, the Government has had to make hard choices to bring the public finances back under control.”
“Winter Fuel Payments will continue to be paid to pensioner households with someone receiving Pension Credit or certain other income-related benefits.
“They will continue to be worth £200 for eligible households, or £300 for eligible households with someone aged 80 and over.”
“In November we will also be writing to approximately 120,000 pensioners who are in receipt of Housing Benefit and who may also be eligible for, but not currently claiming, Pension Credit.
“We will be inviting these pensioners to claim Pension Credit by the 21 December, which is the latest date for making a successful backdated Pension Credit claim and still qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment.”
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