Winter Fuel Allowance

Many constituents have contacted me about the Chancellors announcement that the Winter Fuel Payment will be means-tested going forward. Here I would like to outline my own position on the decision, some further details and what I have been doing in the constituency since this announcement.

My position is that the Winter Fuel Payments should be means tested, to ensure that the most vulnerable pensioners still receive it, and those that do not need it will no longer receive it.

The welfare and protection of pensioners, those who have worked long and hard for their retirement, is at the centre of our reforms. The triple-lock on state pensions will be maintained throughout this parliament. The state pension is to rise by £900 this year, with a further rise announced at the Budget in October.

It is estimated that there are around 880,000 pensioners who are entitled to claim Pension Credit, and thus receive the Winter Fuel Allowance, who are yet to do so. These pensioners have until 21st December 2024 to claim it and so backdate their pension credit and the Winter Fuel Allowance.

There are many other benefits and entitlements outside of Pension Credit which pensioners are entitled to however are not aware of. This is why I have been meeting with pensioners in Stourbridge constituency, alongside local charities for those of pension age, to ensure that they are claiming what they are entitled to.  These other benefits have more than made up for the loss of the Winter Fuel Payment.

 I will be surgeries in the coming months and am in contact with local organisations and charities to encourage them to hold similar such events aimed at pensioners. It is my priority that all pensioners in Stourbridge Constituency are protected.

I have been working with neighbouring MPs Alex Ballinger and Sonia Kumar. We have written to Dudley Council, asking them to work with us to drive uptake of Pension Credit and other benefits many will be entitled to. 
 
If you are, or know of anyone who will be, struggling financially because of this decision, please be sure to contact my office, either by phone ( 01384 881 095) or by email ( cat.eccles.mp@parliament.uk ).