State pensioners could have Winter Fuel Payment increased to £370

State pensioners could have the Winter Fuel Payment increased to £370 if the new Labour Party government bows to statistics and pressure. Sky News analysis in the Money blog shows that the £200 available for 60 to 79-year-olds would be worth £370 today if it had risen in line with inflation.

If it had risen by the same as energy prices, it would be worth more than £1,200 now, and would've topped £2,000 in 2022-23. Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: "Energy prices are much higher than they were a few years ago, and yet the winter fuel payment which was designed to support pensioners in meeting these costs has remained the same.

"Most recently, of course, the current government has decided to brutally ration access to the payment, the main qualification for it now being that you are in receipt of pension credit. The lack of commitment to winter fuel payment by governments of all colours arguably reflects a lack of insight in Whitehall about the difficulties older people on low and modest incomes face in making their money stretch to cover the basics, especially during the colder months when they need to stay warm to protect their health."

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Policy and campaigns officer Dan White said: "Energy bills are rising, energy companies are recording huge profits, poverty is increasing, so there is ample proof that the current winter fuel payment is out of touch with the financial reality of disabled pensioners' lives.

"An increase is not just justified, it is imperative, and we need an energy social tariff targeted at those facing high energy costs, including disabled and older people. If government fails to act accordingly, there will be a humanitarian crisis on our doorstep."

The Department for Work and Pensions told Sky: "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 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."