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.
“At Independent Age we can already see the terrible impact this policy decision is having, the older people living on a low income that we speak to feel forced into making drastic cutbacks. We have heard harrowing stories of people going to bed in hats and coats, washing in cold water, only heating one room and visiting public places to stay warm. This is unacceptable. With almost 2 million older people already living in poverty, this data is further evidence that the UK Government should change course and ensure everyone who needs the Winter Fuel Payment continues to receive it.”