The head of Age UK has branded the Government’s decision to cut winter fuel allowance for pensioners as a “political error” that will have severe consequences for older people.
Speaking to GB News, Age UK charity director Caroline Abrahams expressed deep concern over the policy change.
“I think it was a mistake. It was clearly a political error, but most importantly at all, it’s going to have bad consequences for older people,” she said.
Abrahams revealed that Age UK was not consulted on the changes, stating: “I have absolutely no idea what the rationale was within the upper echelons of the government, because they didn’t ask us.”
Abrahams has hit out at Labour’s decision to scrap the benefit, claiming it is ‘politically wrong’
PA / GB News
Age UK’s research into the winter fuel payment has revealed crucial insights into how pensioners utilise the support.
Three-quarters of elderly recipients used the payment to help with heating bills, according to the charity’s findings.
A further quarter of pensioners reported using the funds to cover rising food costs amid escalating living expenses.
“Even people who expected, I think, to retire very comfortably, have noticed, in their own incomes, just how much more difficult life has become,” Abrahams explained.
Age UK is urging the Government to reverse its decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment following the energy price cap announcement GETTY
The situation appears particularly challenging for those with limited resources, as over half of recent Pension Credit applications have been rejected.
With winter approaching, Age UK’s director expressed urgent concerns about the months ahead.
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Abrahams told GB News that ‘time is running out’ for Labour to u-turn on the decision
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“We’ve just had our first cold snap, but we’re not even in December yet,” she warned.
The charity boss highlighted particular concerns for residents in northern regions and Northern Ireland, where winters are traditionally harsher.
Age UK is already receiving reports of people rationing their energy use and turning off heating completely.
Abrahams stressed it’s not too late for the Chancellor to take action, despite the advancing winter season.
She pointed to alternative approaches being considered elsewhere in the UK.
“Labour in Scotland has said that if it wins in the election there, the year after, they’ll reinstate it,” she noted.
“And in Northern Ireland, the government there has decided to give every pensioner £100 towards their energy bills. Only a gesture, but I’m sure, a very welcome one.”