What's happened
The UK government plans to limit winter fuel payments to pensioners claiming Pension Credit, affecting millions. Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced changes aimed at addressing a £22 billion budget deficit, sparking backlash from Labour MPs and advocacy groups. A campaign to encourage eligible pensioners to claim Pension Credit is underway.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Mirror, Chancellor Rachel Reeves stated that the government is making tough decisions to address a £22 billion deficit, which includes limiting winter fuel payments to those on Pension Credit. The article highlights that around 800,000 eligible pensioners do not currently claim this benefit, which could provide significant financial support. Meanwhile, The Independent emphasizes the urgency of the government's awareness campaign, urging pensioners to check their eligibility for Pension Credit, which is described as a 'passport' benefit that opens doors to additional financial assistance. The Mirror also notes the backlash from advocacy groups, with Age UK estimating that two million pensioners will be 'seriously hit' by the changes, reflecting a growing concern over the welfare of the elderly population in the UK.
How we got here
The government is facing a £22 billion budget shortfall, prompting Chancellor Rachel Reeves to announce that winter fuel payments will only be available to those receiving Pension Credit. This marks a significant policy shift, as the benefit has been universally available since its introduction in 1997.
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More on these topics
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The Department for Work and Pensions is a British government department responsible for welfare and pension policy. It is the largest governmental department in terms of employees and budget.
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Pension Credit is the principal element of the UK welfare system for people of pension age. It is intended to supplement the UK State Pension. It was introduced in the UK in 2003 by Gordon Brown, then Chancellor of the Exchequer.