DWP issues NEW statement after £300 Winter Fuel Payment legal challenge

DWP has spoken out after a legal challenge north of the border in Scotland, which could protect the Winter Fuel Allowance.

The Department for Work and Pensions has issued a NEW statement over the prospect of the £300 Winter Fuel Allowance being saved. The DWP has spoken out after a legal challenge north of the border in Scotland, which could protect the Winter Fuel Allowance.

“We are committed to supporting pensioners – with millions set to see their full new State Pension rise by £1,700 this parliament through our commitment to the triple lock. Given the dire state of the public finances we have inherited, it’s right we target support to those who need it most," the DWP said.

“Over a million pensioners will still receive the Winter Fuel Payment, while many others will also benefit from the £150 Warm Home Discount to help with their energy bills over winter.” The legal case from GLC was raised on behalf of a pensioner couple living in Scotland who are now not eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment.

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GLC's central argument is that the Government failed to comply with this duty when enacting the changes to Winter Fuel Payment eligibility. Specifically, GLC says that the Government did not carry out a detailed equality impact assessment as required.

In response to a recent Freedom of Information request, the Department for Work and Pensions published a 'High Level Equality Analysis' on the shake-up, and stated: "The Government has followed its legal and statutory duties ahead of introducing these changes and will continue to do so."

It is not guarantee that this legal case will definitely lead to Winter Fuel Payments being restored. If the legal case is successful, the changes to Winter Fuel Payments would be deemed as unlawful - the court could then order the Government to do a full impact assessment.

A Government spokesperson declined to comment on the legal case, instead reiterating that it was right to "target support to those who need it most" due to the "dire state of public finances we have inherited".