Millions of pensioners didn’t receive a Winter Fuel Payment this year for the first time (Image: GETTY)
Pensioners are being forced to reduce their consumption of hot meals, skip showers or baths and lower their heating this winter, according to a new survey.
This is to compensate for the £200 or £300 deficit in their budget that the previously covered.
The benefit was once automatically granted to everyone over the age. However, one of Labour’s initial changes post-election last year saw a drastic restriction in this eligibility criteria. It is now only available to those over the age and on certain benefits.
It is estimated that more than 10 million pensioners have lost their seasonal payment due to this change while just over a million were able to keep their benefit. A recent survey by has shed light on the extreme lengths some pensioners have been pushed to.
It highlighted many suffering mental health issues and a few even resorting to public facilities like libraries for warmth.
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16% have also reduced their intake of hot meals and a third are showering less frequently to save money wherever possible.
Over half of respondents reported lowering their heating and 63% confessed they felt colder more often this winter compared to previous years. 17% also claimed their health had deteriorated or their symptoms had worsened due to the measures they had to take.
Mark Boothroyd, a Unite shop steward and emergency department nurse at St Thomas’ Hospital, offered his own perspective on the situation.
Working within the NHS this winter has drawn comparisons to the peak for one individual, who stated feeling “almost as bad as it was during “.
Highlighting a surge in “lots of elderly patients with flu and other seasonal illnesses”, he noted that these conditions are “likely” exacerbating the pressures felt by the healthcare system due to changes in the .
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Meanwhile, this revelation comes amid a Unite protest in Westminster, held earlier this week, which demanded the reinstatement of previous amounts. The union has proposed exploring wealth taxes instead.
Unite’s general secretary Sharon Graham has vocalised the concern, stating: “Our survey shows that pensioners are suffering real-life effects of this needless cut to winter fuel allowance. Retirees should be able to live with dignity after a lifetime of work.”
A Government spokesperson said: “We do not want to see anyone suffering this winter, which is why we have continued the Warm Home Discount and extended the Household Support Fund which will help with the cost of food, heating and bills.
“We are committed to supporting pensioners – with millions set to see their rise by up to £1,900 this parliament through our commitment to the .
“In addition, in November Energy UK, in collaboration with the Government, published a Winter 2024 Commitment which promises £500m of industry support to billpayers this winter.”