Commissioner urges rethink on Winter Fuel Payment means testing

Responding to the Chancellor’s announcement that thousands of older people in Wales will no longer be eligible to receive the Winter Fuel Payment, Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Heléna Herklots CBE, said:

“The announcement that the Winter Fuel Payment will now only be paid to those in receipt of Pension Credit is deeply concerning, as it means that thousands of older people in Wales will now miss out on crucial financial support.

“It is estimated that around 80,000 households in Wales miss out on Pension Credit despite being eligible, meaning older people are already missing out on over £200 million they are entitled to.

“The Chancellor’s decision would mean that these households could now also miss out on tens of millions of pounds more that could make a big difference in terms of people’s finances.

“I am also concerned about the older people in Wales who may be surviving on low incomes and struggling financially, but find themselves just above the Pension Credit threshold. These individuals already miss out on the crucial wider support unlocked by Pension Credit – such as council tax discounts – and will miss out on even more as a result of this decision.

“I would urge the Chancellor to reconsider this decision ahead of her budget to avoid driving more older people in Wales into poverty, and putting people’s health and well-being at risk, which could bring greater costs in the longer-term.”

ENDS