85% of pensioners in poverty or on poverty line will lose WFP

A newly published Equality Impact Assessment of the UK Government’s decision to drastically cut eligibility of the Winter Fuel Payment finds that 85% of Scottish pensioners in poverty or living just above the poverty line will lose this vital financial support.

Age Scotland’s sister charity, Age UK, has produced and published its own Equality Impact Assessment of the UK Government’s policy change to restrict the Winter Fuel Payment only to those on Pension Credit, and removing it from nearly 900,000 Scottish Pensioners.
 
This new analysis was undertaken because the UK Government either didn’t carry out their own assessment or have chosen not to publish it.
 
The report identifies that 200,000 (85%) pensioners in Scotland living in poverty or just above the poverty line will no longer receive their Winter Fuel Payment, previously worth up to £300 to help with energy costs.
 
Age Scotland believe it is “scandalous” that so many who rely on this entitlement will go without it this winter.

Commenting on the new findings, Age Scotland’s policy director Adam Stachura said:

“It’s frankly scandalous to consider that the vast majority of pensioners in Scotland living in poverty or just above the poverty line will not receive the Winter Fuel Payment this year.

“This research brings into sharp focus just how many older people will be living in cold homes, eating fewer hot meals, and risking their health for fear of falling into unmanageable debt this winter, and it is those already struggling who will bear the weight of the UK Government's rushed decision.
 
“Pensioners have historically relied on the Winter Fuel Payment to take the sting out of rising energy bills during the coldest months of the year. Unless we see a drastic U-turn in the government’s approach, this brutal decision will cut off vital support for those who need it most, when they need it most – with no alternative in place for older people on low incomes unless they receive Pension Credit."

Older people in Scotland living on low incomes or struggling with bills can contact Age Scotland’s free helpline on 0800 12 44 222 to check they’re receiving all the financial support available. 

To add your name to the ongoing petition in Scotland, visit age.scot/SaveWFP