MP welcomes major expansion of Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners

WARRINGTON South MP Sarah Hall has welcomed a significant change to Winter Fuel Payment eligibility, following an announcement from the Chancellor this week.

Ms Hall signed a parliamentary motion last year urging the Government to raise the income threshold for Winter Fuel Payment eligibility.
From this winter, all pensioner households with incomes below £35,000 will automatically qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment, a move expected to support over 9 million people across England and Wales. The payment remains worth £200 per household, or £300 for households including someone over the age of 80.
This expanded eligibility will mean more than three-quarters of pensioners will now receive the payment.
The Treasury says this threshold is well above the income level of pensioners in poverty and is broadly in line with average earnings, balancing support for lower-income pensioners with fairness to the taxpayer.
Additionally, over 12 million pensioners across the United Kingdom will also benefit from the Triple Lock, with their State Pension set to increase by up to £1,900 this parliament.

Ms Hall said:“Many pensioners in Warrington South have raised this with me directly. I know how worried people have been about their energy bills.
“I was delighted to see the Government’s announcement on Monday that Winter Fuel Payment eligibility will be greatly expanded this year.
“Having signed a motion in Parliament last year urging ministers to reconsider the threshold to receive the payment, I’m glad the Government has taken our concerns seriously and made this crucial change.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves added: “Targeting Winter Fuel Payments was a tough decision, but the right decision because of the inheritance we had been left by the previous government. It is also right that we continue to means-test this payment so that it is targeted and fair, rather than restoring eligibility to everyone including the wealthiest.
“But we have now acted to expand the eligibility of the Winter Fuel Payment so no pensioner on a lower income will miss out. This will mean over three-quarters of pensioners receiving the payment in England and Wales later this winter.”