Head of Influencing at Independent Age Amy Dodge said:
“We welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement on the Winter Fuel Payment today. Linking the entitlement to Pension Credit was misguided, and meant far too many older people on low incomes fell through the cracks. Since the changes were announced last July, we have been urging the UK Government to widen the eligibility criteria so that more older people in financial hardship are supported.
“While this news will bring some relief to older people on a low income who lost the Winter Fuel Payment, there will still be a period of uncertainty and anxiety until details about who is eligible are clearly announced and detailed. At a time when higher bills and rising inflation are stretching budgets to breaking point, older people on low incomes need reassurance that they will be supported to heat their home next winter and beyond. The UK Government must provide clarity and act now. We can’t have a repeat of last winter where millions of older people were left in the cold.”