While I set out in detail at the time of the Opposition Day Debate why I believe that using funding which is in most cases no longer used for heating to instead address capacity issues in the NHS is the right thing to, I did highlight that I had concerns that the threshold for Pension Credit might be too low for some pensioners who genuinely need it: https://peterlamb.org.uk/2024/09/09/on-the-winter-fuel-allowance/

Since the vote I have written to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to ask that they consider extending and expanding the scope of Pension Credit in order to enable those at genuine risk to be able to access support.

I have also written, along with other MPs, to the major energy companies to call on them to reduce the cost-burden on consumers this winter and on the basis of conversations I have had with the Leader of Crawley Borough Council, a motion passed by the council committed the local authority to take a number of steps to ensure that those eligible for Pension Credit within the town are helped to claim the benefit.

While pensioners are now the least likely age group in society to experience poverty, there will still be many who struggle regardless of whatever decision was taken on Winter Fuel Payments. If you, or those you know, do need support I have included a number of links below which may well be of use.

Pensioner poverty is a far broader issue than whether Winter Fuel Payments are means-tested, and rest-assured that this is something that a Labour Government will work to address as part of our efforts to eliminate poverty for all.

With best wishes,

Peter

Keeping warm this winter

Government support:

• Pension Credit – https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim
• Warm Home Discount Scheme – https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme
• Cold Weather Payments – https://www.gov.uk/cold-weather-payment
• Great British Insulation Scheme – https://www.gov.uk/apply-great-british-insulation-scheme
• Household Support Fund – https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/leisure-recreation-and-community/household-support-fund/

Energy Company support

• Securing the best deal – https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/are-there-any-cheap-fixed-energy-deals-currently-worth-it/
• Temporary credits and fuel vouchers – https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/get-help-paying-your-bills/you-cant-afford-to-top-up-your-prepayment-meter/
• The Energy Company Obligation – https://www.gov.uk/energy-company-obligation
• The Priority Services Register – https://www.thepsr.co.uk/
• EDF Support – https://www.edfenergy.com/energywise/how-edf-are-supporting-their-customers-through-uks-cost-living-crisis
• ON Winter Support Scheme – https://www.eonnext.com/blog/winter-affordability-support-scheme
• Scottish Power Support – https://www.scottishpower.co.uk/affordability

Energy saving measures

• Save money on your energy bill https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households/save-money-on-your-energy-bill
• West Sussex Affordable Energy – https://westsussexenergy.co.uk/
• Local Energy Advice Partnership – https://applyforleap.org.uk/
• Improving Energy Efficiency – https://www.gov.uk/improve-energy-efficiency
• Energy Efficiency Tool – https://www.sgn.co.uk/help-and-advice/energy-crisis-support/energy-efficiency-tool