An estimated 100,000 older people in the UK risk falling into poverty due to changes to the Winter Fuel Payment scheme, a leading charity has warned.
Independent Age, a charity supporting older people, has described the government’s decision to restrict Winter Fuel Payments to those on Pension Credit as “extremely alarming.”
The policy, which limits eligibility for the payment, could leave many older people unable to afford basic necessities such as heating during the winter months.
Morgan Vine, Director of Policy and Influencing at Independent Age said: “It’s extremely alarming to learn that an estimated 100,000 older people could be pushed into poverty as a direct consequence of changes to the Winter Fuel Payment.
“The UK Government’s own analysis has now revealed the extent of the devastating impact of limiting the payment to just those on Pension Credit. With this information now in the open, it is essential ministers put a stop to this policy change right away.”
