Ministers Fail to Consider Health Impact of Winter Fuel Payment Withdrawal
Further questions have been raised about the government’s plan to restrict winter fuel payments to only those in receipt of a means-tested benefit like Pension Credit. In response to a written question tabled by Stuart Anderson MP, DWP Ministers have revealed they have not spoken to Health Ministers about the impact of the policy.
The question, tabled by Stuart, asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether she has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the potential health impacts of means-testing the winter fuel payment. A response from Pensions Minister Emma Reynolds MP, published on 21st October, stated: “No such discussions took place.”
Stuart has said he is “deeply concerned” about the failure in “cross-governmental communication”, after it emerged that 84% of disabled pensioners will lose their payments. The survey for the End Fuel Poverty Coalition also found 81% of older people who are already worried about cold and damp in their homes say they will no longer get the winter fuel payment.
It follows research from the Local Government Association, which estimated that the NHS spends £2.5 billion per year on treating illnesses directly linked to cold, damp, and unsafe homes. In September, Stuart called on the government to implement the Fuel Poverty Committee’s recommendations to feature fuel poverty in NHS England winter planning guidance. Stuart has expressed his concern at the failure to do do when the government wrote to health leaders on 16 September to set out its approach to winter planning.
The Government's own Social Security Advisory Body has warned that rushing this change has left millions of pensioners unprepared to lose their payments. It has said “a more detailed assessment is urgently required.” Nearly 300,00 Britons have also signed the Conservative Party petition calling for the cuts to be reversed.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
“This government’s decision to restrict winter fuel payments risks plunging millions of pensioners, including many with disabilities, into financial difficulty this winter. In response to my parliamentary question, DWP Ministers revealed they have not spoken to Health Ministers about the impact of the policy. I am deeply concerned about this failure in cross-governmental communication. It is a clear demonstration of their lack of respect for pensioners who have worked hard all their life and now require this vital support. My message is clear; it is not too late for the government to alter course and help Britain’s pensioners.”
