Debt Talk: Pensioners & Winter Fuel Payment

As the winter unfolds, there is an inevitable spike in the rise in fuel bills due to the usage of gas and electricity fuels. During this time, the fuel cost is going up and access to fuel support is to be removed. In this month’s Debt Talk podcast, Ripon Ray spoke about: 'Pensioners & winter fuel payment'. To navigate the subject, two panellists took part on on Debt Talk to raise awareness of the impact of the removal of Winter Fuel Payments.

Ian Samuel, a pensioner, and a Labour Party member shared his personal not getting the benefit of such support this winter and the fear that many other pensioners who are struggling with existing pension credit, are to find themselves in further hardship. As a former social worker, he heard first-hand how many struggled with prepayment meters whilst on pension credit. His recent health scare made him feel even more vulnerable. He wrote to his MP and campaigned passionately against the removal of Winter Fuel Allowance. He emphasised the stigma attached to claiming pension credit. To overcome such an obstacle several councils have set up local hubs to encourage the uptake of pension credit and to be eligible for the benefit.

Matthew Cole, Head of the Fuel Bank Foundation explained that millions of people are to be impacted by the removal of the payment. He recognised the need for the government to manage public finances. However, he was clear whether this was the right way to do it. The measure was implemented without exploring the impact it would have within the context of health. He emphasised that the government could have explored the tapering system as is the case with universal credit. He encouraged pensioners to claim pension credit regardless of the stigma attached. He emphasised the importance of claiming pension credit because it would give access to other financial support, such as council tax support and housing benefits from local councils.

Both panel members also provided TOP TIPS to Debt Talk Listeners in addressing
the challenging winter ahead.

My Debt Talk podcast is on: ‘Scammers and fraudsters target vulnerable communities’.

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