Martin Lewis engaged in a heated debate with UK government minister Lisa Nandy regarding the elimination of the £300 Winter Fuel Payments that impact millions of retirees. During a tense discussion on Good Morning Britain, the founder of MoneySavingExpert labeled the decision as “indefensible” and censured the government for its lack of support for the most vulnerable pensioners. Addressing the Culture Secretary directly, Martin questioned, “What justification do you have for defending this?
Lewis stated, “You’ve long advocated for the most disadvantaged in our society, yet here you are endorsing a policy that has charities like AgeUK alarmed and distressed.”
“This year, pensioners are net gainers, therefore it’s acceptable for them to forfeit winter fuel payments.”
I’ve received several responses like this, prompting me to clarify. Especially regarding the 780,000 individuals I’ve mentioned, who qualify for Pension Credit, hence are eligible for Winter Fuel Payment…
— Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) October 9, 2024
Watch the full interview on Winter Fuel Payments with Lisa Nandy: “I apologize if my frustration regarding the potential loss of support for 780,000 underprivileged pensioners came across with inappropriate language.”
The top 50 wealthiest families in Britain possess £500 billion, equivalent to the wealth of half the UK population. A mere 1% increase in taxes on the wealthiest 1% could yield £25 billion within a year. So, why hasn’t this choice been prioritized over the cuts to the #WinterFuelAllowance?
— Sharon Graham (@UniteSharon) October 8, 2024
The controversy arises after AgeUK urged the government to revisit its decision, emphasizing that the most impoverished pensioners, some earning below £11,000 annually, would lose essential assistance. Lewis underscored the government’s shortcomings in reaching those most in distress, calling the policy a “major oversight.” He remarked, “You aren’t sending personal notices to the pensioners who are hardest to contact.
Nandy responded by highlighting the rise in pension credit applications, but Lewis remained skeptical. He contended that it would take four years for comprehensive enrollment, challenging, “What is your immediate plan?
Why aren’t you sending them letters?”
Our recent research indicates that 1.1 million disabled pensioners living in or just above poverty will miss out on the Winter Fuel Payment.
Disabled individuals are likely to incur higher energy expenses and will be apprehensive about this winter.https://t.co/4wIJ8ag5Qb
— Age UK Campaigns (@ageukcampaigns) October 9, 2024
The government’s reduction of the Winter Fuel Payment stipulates that only pensioners who receive pension credit or certain other means-tested benefits will qualify. Previously, approximately 11 million people of state pension age were eligible regardless of their earnings.
Martin Lewis critiques reduction in fuel payments
Nonetheless, around 880,000 eligible pensioners with low incomes may forfeit the energy assistance as they have not claimed pension credit. Lewis emphasized, “You’re removing funds from their possession. Are you prepared to acknowledge the collateral impact of pensioners not receiving the Winter Fuel Payment?”
Nandy maintained that the government is striving to connect with pensioners, mentioning an extension for pension credit applications.
However, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirmed that no extension has occurred. Eligible pensioners may still receive backdated payments but must initiate their applications. Pension credit claims can be backdated for up to three months.
Since the qualifying week for the Winter Fuel Payment occurs from September 16 to 22, the final date to submit a claim for benefits covering this period is December 21. Martin Lewis continues to express doubt that many of the most at-risk individuals will receive support. With winter approaching swiftly, urgency is mounting for the government to guarantee that no one is left out in the cold.
