Following a significant policy reversal, over three-quarters of pensioners in England and Wales will receive the winter fuel payment this year.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ decision extends eligibility to nine million pensioners with an annual income of £35,000 or less. Further details on eligibility are available here.
The BBC has gathered perspectives from pensioners on how this policy change impacts them through Your Voice, Your BBC News.
Bob Pritchard (78, Bath), earning £19,500 annually, anticipates reinstatement of his allowance, stating it’s crucial for covering healthcare transport costs. He feels the withdrawal of winter fuel payments last year was abrupt and believes compensation is warranted.
Conversely, Alice George (71, Watford) expresses disapproval, donating her payment to charity and highlighting the comfortable lifestyles of many pensioners. She advocates for reallocating these funds to address pressing needs such as the NHS and housing crisis.
Ian Bryant (68, Gloucestershire), earning above the £35,000 threshold, welcomes the decision, acknowledging the impact on low-income pensioners while expressing understanding for the initial policy change. He believes a more thoughtful approach could have been implemented.
Gail Impey (71, Buckinghamshire), whose income slightly exceeds the threshold, describes the hardship caused by the payment’s removal last year, forcing her to curtail heating and rely on saved resources. Her situation is further complicated by the need to continue working after her husband’s passing.
Mike Hodges (72) shares a different perspective, stating that he didn’t miss the payment and suggests a lower threshold could better allocate resources to other pressing societal issues, especially initiatives benefiting younger generations.
Additional reporting by Kris Bramwell and Alex Emery
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