'Save our pensioners' plea as winter fuel cuts are back in the spotlight

As the UK grapples with snow, ice and sub-zero temperatures this week, one of the Government's most contentious policies has been thrust back into the limelight. Plymouth Live readers have been discussing the issue in our comments section.

Government estimates suggest that changes to the long-standing winter fuel payments will push 50,000 pensioners into relative poverty, coinciding with a week that has seen Cold Weather Payments dispatched to some parts of Britain.

One of the early controversies of the Labour Government elected this year was their decision to means-test the winter fuel payments - a sum of up to £300 previously given to all pensioners. In an effort to reduce Government expenditure in this area, it was decided that the payment would now only be made to those on pension credit and certain other benefits.

Without considering any increase in the uptake of pension credit among those eligible, the Government's own estimates indicate that an additional 50,000 pensioners will fall into relative poverty next year, with the trend set to continue in subsequent years. This week's cold weather has brought snowfall across parts of the country, leading to school closures, train cancellations, and icy conditions causing incidents on the roads.

After a relatively mild autumn, this could be an indication of what's to come.

Reader A1b299 says: “I feel it should be paid but only to the power companies. This would ensure it's used for its proper purpose. I'm a pensioner but don't qualify even if it's paid because my wife works. Even though we really could do with it, I respect the rules. Pensioners with large amounts of savings should not get it.”

mEmArY thinks: “I'm a pensioner and manage my money perfectly well budgeting for everything. Others who are on benefits do still get the winter fuel allowance and that's good but the savings from those who don't need help should be glad the savings are going into the NHS.”

Doct agrees: “I feel sorry for those who just fall outside of the threshold - which is set too low, in my opinion - and do not qualify for additional support. Some in this category will no doubt struggle if the coming winter is bad. Personally, I don't need the allowance and in past years have treated it as gravy. I'm happy for it to be used to improve other services.”

Jayman adds: “Labour cutting the elderly payments is terrible, when the House of Lords get over £300 a day expenses.”

Stephen48 thinks: “Get rid of it. It’s a pretence of caring when you could achieve the same by increasing the state pension by the same amount. Want to make sure it’s spent on heating, put a requirement on energy companies to keep all pensioners houses above 18 degrees, pay them a flat fee per person and let them sort out cost effective insulation. Handing out money just means struggling pensioners leave the heating low and save the money for food.”

Sarcia asks: “Not all pensioners are poor! Why should the well off get money given to them?”

Albertgate agrees: “Not every pensioner took the time or could be bothered and squandered their money away, If they worked all their lives they should have had the foresight to get a private pension or even squirrel cash away for a rainy day, I like most used to get it, but didn't need it, in fact when it turned up we used to joke " Deposit’s arrived to book our early 2 weeks holiday!”

Thewestisbest states: “YES! Reverse the cuts, save our pensioners.”

Churpy agrees: “Leave the pensioners alone, stop child benefits. You have them you pay for them.”

So do you think the Winter fuel payment cuts should be reversed? Has the situation affected you? Have your say in our comments section.