Pensioners and campaigners demonstrate over winter fuel (Image: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publis)
Almost all pensioners on the breadline will lose their winter fuel allowance, shock analysis found.
Around eight in ten older people with incomes just below or above the poverty threshold will be stripped of the payments this year, according to Age UK.
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The charity warned of a looming “disaster” when the weather turns unless Rachel Reeves backs down in the budget.
It carried out an equality impact assessment because the Government either did not carry out the work or has chosen not to publish it.
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Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: “I think most members of the public will be horrified that this is the outcome of the Government’s decision, because it means that millions of pensioners are being exposed to the risk of failing to be able to stay adequately warm this winter, even though they are living on a low income.
“There will be widespread agreement, I’m sure, that ministers must act in the Budget to protect them – and the best way for them to do so by far is to retain WFP as a universal entitlement this winter, before giving their policy options careful consideration as part of the Spending Review next Spring.
“Some people have asserted that the Government’s cut to eligibility for winter fuel payment means there is no cause for concern because poor pensioners will still be protected, but Age UK’s equality impact assessment drives a coach and horses through that claim. “Unfortunately, the research supports our worst fears – that unless ministers change tack, and quickly, millions of older people on low and modest incomes could be facing potential disaster as the weather chills.”
Reviewing official statistics, it found 10.7m UK pensioners will lose their payments and 23% of those live in poverty or just above the poverty line.
The charity found 800,0000 over 80s on the poverty line will lose their higher rate payment.
Some 1.1 million pensioners with a disability and nearly as many older people who live alone who struggle to make ends meet will be affected.
The government is axing the universal winter fuel allowance, which is ￡200 for pensioners under 80 and ￡300 for those over to save ￡1.5 billion.
Only those claiming pension credit and some other benefits will be eligible.
Overall, 82% of retirees who are just beyond the qualifying limit will lose out.
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Age UK called on the government to keep the payments in place for everyone this year.
It warned pensioners face an “anxious and miserable” winter if the plan goes ahead as it stands.
Mel Stride MP, Shadow Work and Pensions’ Secretary, said: “This report proves what we knew already: pensioners below the poverty line depend on the winter fuel payment and will suffer this winter.
“It isn’t too late for Labour to change their minds and back our calls to reinstate the Winter Fuel Payment.”
The Government disputed Age UK’s claim that it had chosen not to carry out or publish an equality assessment, pointing to information released under a freedom of information request.
A spokesman added: “We are committed to supporting pensioners – with millions set to see their state pension rise by up to ￡1,700 this parliament through our commitment to the triple lock.
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“Over a million pensioners will still receive the Winter Fuel Payment, and our drive to boost Pension Credit take up has already seen a 152% increase in claims.
"Many others will also benefit from the ￡150 Warm Home Discount to help with energy bills over winter while our extension of the Household Support Fund will help with the cost of food, heating and bills.”