Winter fuel payments must be protected according to Age UK

Winter fuel payments have emerged as the latest potential victim of public spending cuts, according to reports.

However, claims that the age of eligibility for payments could be raised to 66 and reports that the seasonal hand-out could be cut by up to £100 have been branded as “speculation” by the Government, which reassured claimants that no decision had yet been made.

The payment, which helps older people pay their winter fuel bills, could be cut by £50 for new recipients and £100 for regular claimants, the Daily Telegraph reported.

Other newspaper reports have also suggested that fuel payments will be squeezed along with child benefit and other state allowances as part of a £13 billion cost-cutting drive by the coalition Government.

But the Government has been quick to quell newspaper reports, saying a spending review in the autumn would reveal whether winter fuel payments – a lifeline for millions last year during the record-breaking winter – would be scrapped under welfare reforms.

A spokeswoman for the Department for Work and Pensions said speculation over where the axe will fall was not helpful, adding that it is “not going to provide a running commentary” on what was being considered.

Michelle Mitchell, Age UK’s Charity Director, said: “With energy prices set to soar next year, the Winter Fuel Payment is an absolute lifeline for millions of people in later life.  Older people should not have to choose between heating their home or going without other essentials.  When the Government came into office it promised to safeguard the Winter Fuel Payment and protect society’s most vulnerable. The Chancellor will be breaking his word if this valued entitlement is axed.”

Support the work of Age UK with a donation from your pay.

Source; Press Association  Copyright Press Association 2010