Controversial winter fuel payment move must be reversed, new report states

The People's Health Trust said older people are being forced to choose between heating and eating

A new report has highlighted that Labour's cuts to the winter fuel payment are causing alarm among pensioners, worried about their ability to cope with the cold months ahead. The People's Health Trust has discovered that the policy is raising concerns for the wellbeing of elderly individuals who are faced with the tough choice between heating their homes and affording food.

The charity, which focuses on health equity, is calling on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to reverse the contentious decision to remove the allowance from the majority of senior citizens. This issue has been brought into sharper focus as Reform MP Lee Anderson condemns Labour for what he calls a "shameful betrayal" of the older generation.

John Hume, the chief executive of the People's Health Trust, expressed his concern, stating: "Too many older people experiencing disadvantage are already living with energy debt and fuel poverty, forcing them into unacceptable decisions about switching on the heating for an hour or buying food," reports the Express. He added: "These are decisions no one should have to make, with implications that seriously impact their health and shorten their lives."

Hume also relayed the fears of the community, saying: "We have heard from communities that older people simply don't know how they're going to survive the winter without the winter fuel payment. For many people two or three hundred pounds may not seem like a lot of money for older people living in poverty, it can quite literally be a lifeline."

"It is completely unacceptable that up to 2.5 million older people should be subjected to avoidable cold and food poverty which will lead to further health inequalities. The policy will place even greater pressure on the NHS and voluntary and community services over an already-pressured winter. It is imperative that the UK and Scottish Governments reverses this decision and learns early that any policy change needs to thoroughly consider the consequences for the health of the poorest in society."

The People's Health Trust conducted research involving numerous grassroots and community organisations that support older people across Britain. The study revealed that alterations to the winter fuel allowance are causing fear for older people's mental and physical health, leading to stress, anxiety and confusion.

It suggests that the Labour Government should reverse its decision to limit the previously universal winter fuel payments to Britain's most impoverished pensioners. The report also urges that any new proposals to modify the allowance should have undergone a comprehensive equalities impact assessment.

Shadow work and pensions secretary Mel Stride commented: "Labour like to characterise all pensioners as millionaires, but this clearly isn't the case. Vulnerable pensioners will lose hundreds of pounds this winter and will be unable to heat their homes because of Labour's cruel decision."

"All eyes will now be on Rachel Reeves and the upcoming budget. This is her obvious moment to scrap this cruel policy."

The Chancellor faced severe criticism in July when she unveiled plans to limit the allowance to only those receiving pension credit. Sir Keir Starmer and Ms Reeves have attributed the decision to a £22 billion deficit in public finances, which they claim was left by the Conservatives, an allegation that has been refuted.

As energy bills rise this month, the adjustment will result in approximately 10 million elderly individuals losing their annual payments of up to £300, saving about £1.3 billion in the initial year. Lib Dem work and pensions spokesperson Steve Darling commented: "It seems every day we hear more and more about just how difficult it is going to be for vulnerable pensioners this winter as a result of the Government's cuts."

"Pressing ahead with these cuts simply cannot be allowed to happen. The Government must reverse their decision and ensure that the millions potentially at risk of choosing between heating and eating this winter get the support they need."

Reform chief whip Mr Anderson criticised Labour for removing the allowance from most pensioners while offering substantial pay rises to striking public sector workers. The ex-Tory deputy chairman, representing Ashfield, has suggested cutting the foreign aid budget and reallocating the funds to support OAPs.

In his piece for the Daily Express, he wrote: "Labour are bending over backwards to appease the unions, while at the same time taking money out of thousands of pensioners' pockets and creating a miserable winter for millions more. Decisions like this make one thing very clear, that the Keir Starmer's Government prioritises foreign aid and the funding net zero over our oldest and most vulnerable citizens.

"The interests of British citizens must always take precedence over the funding of foreign governments. Keir's failures to properly budget for pensioners and commit outrageous sums to foreign aid, should not be at the expense of our oldest citizens. Yet despite heavy criticism, Labour have doubled down on this shameful betrayal."

"While this has been voted on, it is not too late to be reversed. Cutting foreign aid, which we are legally capable of doing, would save billions of pounds, money that could and should be used to protect our pensioners."

A government spokesperson commented: "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. Over a million pensioners will still receive the winter fuel payment, and our drive to increase pension credit uptake has already seen a 152% uptick in claims. Additionally, numerous individuals will benefit from the £150 warm home discount, assisting with energy bills through the colder months, while our prolonged household support fund will aid with the cost of food, heating, and additional bills."