Summary
The UK government changed its approach to winter fuel payments, deciding to give them to pensioners with an income of £35,000 or less. The payment, which helps with heating costs, was initially limited to those on certain benefits but will now reach around nine million pensioners in England and Wales by 2025. Some regions with more low-income pensioners received more payments than others.
Key Facts
- The winter fuel payment helps pensioners with heating costs during winter.
- About nine million pensioners in England and Wales will receive this payment starting in winter 2025.
- The payment was originally going only to those on low incomes with specific benefits, but this was changed after public criticism.
- Pensioners earning £35,000 or less will receive the payment, while those earning more will not unless higher taxes apply.
- The payment is automatically sent in November or December and is £200 for those under 80 and £300 for those 80 and older.
- In Scotland, plans include a similar payment system with an income limit and slightly different amounts.
- Some regions, like Tower Hamlets in London, saw more pensioners receiving payments compared to areas with wealthier populations.
- Changes to the payment system came after criticism from charities and MPs concerned about low-income pensioners missing out.
