The DWP payment cut has affected many people
Pensioners are eating fewer hot meals, skipping showers and reducing their heating after a cut in government benefit. The Winter Fuel Payment, which used to be automatically granted to everyone over the state pension age, offered a lifeline of £200 to £300.
However, following last year’s election, one of Labour’s first changes was to significantly tighten the eligibility criteria for the benefit. It is now only available to those over the state pension age who are also on certain benefits.
The change has reportedly resulted in more than 10 million pensioners losing their seasonal payment, while just over a million have managed to retain it. A recent survey by Unite the Union has revealed the severe impact this has had on some pensioners.
Many are suffering from mental health issues, with some even using public facilities like libraries to escape the cold. The survey found that 16% have reduced their intake of hot meals and a third are showering less frequently to save money.
Over half reported lowering their heating and 63% admitted they felt colder more often this winter compared to previous years, reports Lancs Live.
A toal of 17% of people have reported a decline in health or worsening symptoms due to the austerity measures they’ve had to adopt. Mark Boothroyd, a Unite shop steward and emergency department nurse at St Thomas’ Hospital, has given a grim account of the current NHS conditions, likening them to “almost as bad as it was during Covid”.
He highlighted the influx of “lots of elderly patients with flu and other seasonal illnesses”, hinting that the recent changes to the Winter Fuel Payment might be contributing to the increased pressure on healthcare services. The survey findings coincide with a Unite-led demonstration in Westminster this week, demanding the restoration of Winter Fuel Payments and suggesting wealth taxes as an alternative fiscal strategy.
Unite’s general secretary Sharon Graham expressed concern, saying: “Our survey shows that pensioners are suffering real-life effects of this needless cut to winter fuel allowance. Retirees should be able to live with dignity after a lifetime of work.”
A Government spokesperson said: “We do not want to see anyone suffering this winter, which is why we have continued the Warm Home Discount and extended the Household Support Fund which will help with the cost of food, heating and bills. We are committed to supporting pensioners – with millions set to see their state pension rise by up to £1,900 this parliament through our commitment to the Triple Lock. In addition, in November Energy UK, in collaboration with the Government, published a Winter 2024 Commitment which promises £500m of industry support to billpayers this winter.”
