Wes Streeting has insisted that pensioners will be “better off” this winter compared to last, despite Sir Keir Starmer axing Winter Fuel Payments (WFP).
Appearing in front of MPs at a Health and Social Care Committee, Streeting was asked about the Labour Party’s 2017 estimate that 4,000 people could die if the then-Tory Government removed the pensioner perk.
The Health Secretary was questioned if his department had done any assessments on potential deaths that could arise from the payment becoming means tested.
He replied: “Because of the choices that the Chancellor has made, particularly on protecting the state pension through the triple lock – even taking into account the decisions she’s taken on winter fuel allowance – pensioners will still be better off this winter than they were last winter, and will be better off next winter further still.
Streeting was asked about the Labour Party’s estimate from 2017 that 4,000 people could die if the then government removed allowance
PA
“And of course, one of the reasons it gives me confidence to stand by that assertion is she has protected winter fuel allowance for the poorest pensioners and put in place financial support, which I think will make a real difference to people.”
The Health Secretary was then asked to clarify if he believes that not a single pensioner will die because of the change.
He claimed: “I can stand by very strongly the sense that because the state pension is rising in the way that it is, and because of the decisions the Chancellor has taken to protect the poorest pensioners – I admit an unpopular decision with people who’ve lost a winter fuel allowance – but not one that will lead to that fatalistic outcome.”
The controversial decision, announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in July, aims to save the Treasury around £1.5billion.
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Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the Winter Fuel Payment will be means-tested from this winter PAThe WFP offered pensioners up to £300 in energy bill support annually to everyone in the UK – irrespective of income or wealth.
However, going forward, older Britons will now need to be in receipt of means-tested payments from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), such as Pension Credit, to qualify for the payment. This will leave around 10 million elderly people without the payment.
Labour claims the cut is necessary to address a £22billion hole in public finances.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer previously defended the “tough” decision, citing the state of the country’s finances. He also accused previous Tory Governments of avoiding confronting issues like the cost of Winter Fuel Payments.
Older Britons will now need to be in receipt of means-tested payments from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
PA
Winter fuel payments have been cut for millions of pensionersPA
A recent study by AgeUK revealed that four in nine pensioners are worried about being unable to heat their homes this winter.
It also found that two-thirds of those over the age of 66 with long-term health conditions are among those cutting back on heating.
Similar percentages of people are skipping meals in order to be able to heat their homes.
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