DWP eligibility change branded 'evil' as Winter Fuel Allowance cut

Pensioners have been left feeling "ashamed" after a new Labour Party government's plan to cut the Winter Fuel Allowance, a move set forth by Chancellor Rachel Reeves that has been denounced as "grotesque". The proposed changes to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) eligibility criteria have sparked significant worry among retirees.

Independent Age, a charity that works with older people, has noted an increase in pensioners reaching out due to concerns about "drastic" government cutbacks. Joanna Elson CBE, chief executive of Independent Age, expressed to Sky News: "This data from our helpline clearly shows that many people in later life are worried about the UK government's decision to limit the winter fuel payment to those that receive pension credit."

Elson CBE further highlighted: "The people we speak to are frightened about losing a vital lifeline this winter, many are struggling on a low income and will be forced to make drastic cutbacks. Others tell us it is the first time they have reached out for support, as the winter ahead feels very bleak."

Kevin McGrath, 81, a former social worker and Catholic monk from Corby, Northants, described to Sky News his "deep concern about the winter" and condemned the move to strip winter fuel payments from pensioners as "evil". He lamented the targeting of society's financially vulnerable, stating: "Of all the wealth in Britain, they target the ones who have very little in life."

A critic argued: "I fully understand that the government has difficult decisions to make, but why are they starting at the bottom, why don't they start at the top. It's evil. It's a crime.", reports Birmingham Live.

In response, a government spokesperson assured Sky News that they are "committed to supporting pensioners". They explained: "Given the dire state of the public finances we have inherited, it's right we target support to those who need it most.

"We urge anyone who thinks they may be entitled to pension credit to check their eligibility and have already seen a 115 percent increase in claims following the launch of our awareness campaign." The government also pointed out that the average state pension is set to increase, thanks to their commitment to maintaining the triple lock on the state pension. Introduced in 2012, this guarantee ensures annual increases in line with the higher of inflation, 2.5 per cent, or annual earnings, resulting in boosted pension payments.