Pensioners are taking to the streets in protest in reaction to the new Labour Government’s decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment.
In July, Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed that up to £300 in energy bill support will no longer be universal and will be reserved for those on low incomes.
Going forward, those of state pension age will now need to be in receipt of means-tested benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), such as Pension Credit.
In response to this decision by Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration, unions, charities and activists have spoken out about the likely impact on pensioner poverty levels.
Earlier today, protests took place in Westminster and Stormont in an attempt to elicit a U-turn from Reeves before the winter months.
Speaking on behalf of Unite outside Stormont earlier today, retired worker Dympna McGlade slammed Labour for their decision to effectively axe the energy bill benefit for up to 10 million pensioners.
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The average household energy bill is instead rose by 10 per cent in October
PA
“Did you know that this big house on the hill paid over £400,000 in energy costs for the two years the assembly was collapsed?
“When they came back they wanted to take our bus passes – which we fought hard to keep and we won.
“But now the Government’s coming for our Winter Fuel Payment – indeed I am beginning to wonder if they let us keep our bus passes so we could ride on the buses to stop us from freezing at home.
“Reinstate the Winter Fuel Payment—and do it now! No ifs – no buts – no winter payment cuts.”
Regional secretary for Unite Susan Fitzgerald attended the protest and criticised Westminster and devolved Governments for going ahead with means-testing.
Both Governments in Holyrood and Stormont have confirmed the Winter Fuel Payment will only be available to those on low incomes from this year.
She added: “A pensioner with a tiny work-related pension will lose this vital payment. It’s impact will be most severe here as the region with the highest fuel poverty rates. Unite is full square behind our members in this fight.
“The Stormont politicians should refuse to implement it and take a stand on the side of retired workers. Such an action will force others to do the right thing and end this assault on those already in need this winter.”
This afternoon, pensions minister Liz Kendall MP defended Labour’s stance on the Winter Fuel Payment when questioned in Parliament.
“The reason we have done it is that we have to deal with the £22billion blackhole in the public finances left by members opposite.
“But in doing so we will, as a progressive party, always prioritise the very poorest pensioners and that is why we are so determined to end a situation where up to 880,000 miss out on winter fuel because they are not getting Pension Credit, and we are determined to put that right.”
Rachel Reeves is expected to make further fiscal announcements during the Government’s Autumn Budget on October 30.
