DWP's response to calls for Winter Fuel Payments to be given to all pensioners

The UK Government has rejected an online petition's call to extend Winter Fuel Payments to all State Pensioners, despite more than 47,700 signatures. The eligibility rule change, announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, means around 10 million older people will not receive annual heating bill assistance this winter.

The Labour Government is standing by its decision to enforce the policy change to help fill a £22 billion deficit left by the Conservatives. In response to the petition, the Department for Work and Pensions stated: "The Government has no plans to reverse the means testing of the Winter Fuel Payment but is focusing on increasing Pension Credit take-up to ensure all eligible pensioners continue to receive support."

The petition's creator, Michael Brian Anderson, warns that the rule change could put "more pressure" on the NHS and potentially lead to pensioner deaths if MPs do not act.

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The petition states: "We want the Government to restore the Winter Fuel Payment to how it was paid last winter immediately. We are concerned that pensioners could die if MPs do not act, and that the NHS could be under more pressure."

A 2017 Labour party analysis reportedly suggested that cutting the fuel allowance for 10 million pensioners could lead to almost 4,000 excess deaths that winter. In response to concerns, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said: "Given the substantial fiscal pressures this year and next, the Government has had to make difficult decisions to bring the public finances under control. This includes the decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment, so it is better targeted to low-income pensioners who need it," reports Glasgow Live.

The department highlighted the role of Pension Credit, stating: "To ensure Winter Fuel Payments are received by those on the lowest incomes the Government is determined to do everything it can to maximise take-up of Pension Credit which provides a safety net for pensioners on the lowest incomes and opens the door to other benefits including the Winter Fuel Payment."

The DWP also mentioned their efforts to inform pensioners about the changes, saying that they have sent letters to around 12 million pensioners regarding the eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment, advising on qualifying benefits and encouraging them to check whether they might be eligible for Pension Credit and how to apply for it.

Furthermore, the UK Government has moved to contact approximately 120,000 pensioners who are in receipt of Housing Benefit and may be eligible for Pension Credit but have not yet claimed it. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) stated: "We are inviting these pensioners to claim Pension Credit ahead of 21st December so that, thanks to the Pension Credit backdating rules, they may also be entitled to this year's Winter Fuel Payment."

The official response clarified: "Not only will those who are eligible retain Winter Fuel Payment entitlement, they will receive an additional £3,900 a year on average through their new Pension Credit award, which provides a passport to other help such as assistance with housing costs, energy bills and a free TV licence for those over 75."

Additionally, the response highlighted further financial support available to senior citizens this winter, details of which can be found online.

Once the petition reaches 100,000 signatures, it may prompt a Parliamentary debate, as per the norms of the Petitions Committee. The petition is available on the petitions-parliament website.