The National Pensioners’ Convention is calling on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to reconsider her shock decision to end ‘universal’ winter fuel payments.
The move will hit millions of older people who are just above the income threshold to qualify for pension credit - effectively imposing a harsh means test on those already struggling next winter.
NPC General Secretary Jan Shortt said: “This is devastating news for millions of older people whose income is literally just a few pounds above the threshold to receive pension credit.
“These people are already barely able to make ends meet – this move effectively wipes out any benefit they receive from the triple lock increase on the state pension.
“I seriously believe the Chancellor has underestimated the harm her decision will cause to older people still struggling with energy costs, and facing higher rates in October. It is absolutely shocking that the new Labour government should treat older, vulnerable people in this manner. The triple lock alone will not enable them to keep up with energy bills.”
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