Just weeks after the General Election, in one of their first announcements, the Labour Government announced it will scrap the Winter Fuel Payments to millions pensioners across the country. A major policy shift that was not included in their recent manifesto.
This change will mean that only pensioners in receipt of Pension Credit will continue to receive the payment.
With news from Ofgem that the energy price gap will increase by 10% this winter, it means some of the most vulnerable in our society will be hit hardest by both the increasing cost of bills and at the same time a reduction in their income.
Between 2010 and 2023, the Conservatives had lifted over 200,000 pensioners out of absolute poverty. The Conservative Government’s unprecedented cost of living support following Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine also prevented 400,000 pensioners from falling into absolute poverty after housing costs in 2022-23.
We call on the Chancellor of the Exchequer to reconsider this decision and continue Winter Fuel Payments to all pensioners and for Horsham Council to take measures to protect our pensioners.
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