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New data has shown that the number of individuals receiving winter fuel payments drastically decreased to 1.3 million following government cuts. The payment, which assists pensioners in covering winter energy bills, had previously been received by approximately 11 million people in England, Wales, and Scotland. However, a decision by the Treasury to means-test the payment resulted in a significant drop in recipients last year, according to official figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Fortunately, the policy has since been reversed, with the chancellor’s U-turn in June ensuring that the vast majority of pensioners will once again receive the payment this upcoming winter. The payment is valued at around £300 per household, providing valuable support during the colder months.
Previously, the winter fuel payment was distributed to all pensioners to aid with energy costs during the coldest times of the year. However, in July 2024, the government announced changes to the payment system in England and Wales, limiting eligibility to those with low incomes who receive certain benefits like pension credit. In Scotland, some adjustments were made to counteract these cuts.
The impact of this policy shift is reflected in the newly published statistics, highlighting disparities in payments across different regions. While areas with a higher concentration of low-income pensioners still saw a significant number of recipients, others had notably fewer people receiving the winter fuel payment. Ultimately, the recent developments aim to provide necessary support to those in need during the winter season, especially in light of rising energy costs and other economic challenges
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