An increasing number of low-income pensioners are seeking warm clothing from a clothes bank in the UK, following the government’s announcement that it would cut the winter fuel allowance. Last week, the MK Storehouse in Stacey Bushes, Milton Keynes, gave away 89 jumpers and 39 coats, a rise that was “previously unheard of”. Around 10 million people will lose out as a result of the cuts, although the allowance will remain accessible to those receiving other benefits or claiming pension credit.
Chris Curtis, the Labour MP for MK North, supported the cuts but expressed concerns regarding their impact on vulnerable individuals. In a letter to constituents, Curtis stated that the measure was “necessary” due to the “dire state of public finances left by the previous government”. He nevertheless claimed that “vulnerable pensioners would not suffer.” Curtis noted that pensioners’ state payments would rise by over £900 ($1,230) this year due to the maintenance of the triple lock on pensions. He also praised the Household Support Fund, which will provide £500m ($675m) of support for those most in need.
The MK Storehouse was founded by the Grand Union Vineyard Church in 2015 and receives backing from the Milton Keynes Community Foundation. It offers donated clothing to adults and children who have been referred to the store. In a typical week, just one pensioner would use its services, yet since the announcement regarding the fuel allowance, five have come through its doors. Manager Rachel Kleinsmith revealed that some visitors were “panicking because of the speed of the changes”, seeking to obtain warm clothing in preparation for what could be a very cold winter.
The winter fuel allowance provides payments of either £200 or £300, usually made in November and December. The government gained a majority of 120 as MPs voted in favour of limiting payments to all but the poorest individuals by 348 votes to 228
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