Winter Fuel Cut Savings Will Be Far Less Than Reeves Expected

[naomi24]

//a new analysis suggests that a surge in claims for pension credit since the cut was announced means that any savings could be significantly lower than the Treasury had anticipated. In just eight weeks, applications have increased by 152%.//

 

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/sep/29/winter-fuel-cut-savings-will-be-far-less-than-reeves-expected-new-analysis-finds

 

 

That, together with the estimated extra cost to the NHS of £169 million has the potential of seeing Reeves score a devasting home goal. 

 

https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/1954936/winter-fuel-payments-nhs

 

 

Has she done her sums - and if so, has she got them right?

[THECORBYLOON]

BARRY, "I tell everyone I know over pension age to apply."

As long as they know savings are taken into account and can be treated as income on top of their State Pensions so might have too much income to be entitled.

[nicebloke1]

There seems to be 2 major problems in the Uk. 1.people have little interest in providing for their retirment. 2. People of all ages spend more time looking for free money than looking for work. The real ROT started and made worse during Covid handouts, and even now people still think they need not turn up at their place of work.

[Khandro]

More proof, as if more proof were needed, that this Labour government can't do joined up thinking.

[barry1010]

Even if they have savings they might still qualify, Corby. They can only say 'no'.

[THECORBYLOON]

I appreciate that but they might not be aware savings can be treated as income.

[ynnafymmi]

@12.27.So you think the SNP will pay out the WFA in full TCL?I have my doubts.

[barry1010]

The link I posted at 12:03 makes it clear Scotland has adopted the same policy, for this winter at least

[Cloverjo]

How is it 'vile' to take away the WFA when it should never have been given to ALL pensioners anyway?

IIRC, it first kicked in, a few years ago, when the temperature dropped to x degrees for y number of days. 
It later became the standard £300 to £400 each winter, even though the vast majority of pensioners didn't need it.

I write this as a daughter of one and the wife of another who are both complaining, but IT SHOULD NEVER have been given to them in the first place! 

[youngmafbog]

//How is it 'vile' to take away the WFA when it should never have been given to ALL pensioners anyway?//

Why dont you read the whole explanations given above?

[barry1010]

The WFA was started in 1997 by the labour government, 27 years ago

[barry1010]

The Cold Weather Payments started in November 1988 during a bitterly cold spell but that was never given to all pensioners.  It was given to people of all ages on certain benefits 

[davebro3]

//it first kicked in, a few years ago, when the temperature dropped to x degrees for y number of days. //

Isn't that the "cold weather payment" (which will continue?)?

[davebro3]

but only to those on qualifying benefits or over a certain age...

[davebro3]

https://www.gov.uk/cold-weather-payment

[barry1010]

Anyone on incime relatedJSA, income related ESA, universal credit gets Cold Weather Payments regardless of age

[pastafreak]

You can have up to £10,000 in savings without it affecting pension credit. Above that, it will affect how much you can get.

[pastafreak]

Is the Cold Weather payment the one that's given based on the temperature dropping below a certain level for 5 days in a row?

[barry1010]

Yes 

[barry1010]

Even if you have so much savings you are only entitled to 10p a week pension credit you automatically get all the other benefits linked to it, could be worth a couple of thousand a year