UK Faces Backlash for Scrapping £300 Winter Fuel Payment Amid 10% Energy Price Hike

Aug 23, 2024, 07:21 AM

The UK government is facing criticism over the decision to scrap the universal Winter Fuel Payment for pensioners, a move that could leave many facing fuel poverty as energy prices are set to rise. The decision, announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, is part of a broader policy shift that will see the £300 Winter Fuel Payment means-tested, affecting those not on pension credit or other means-tested benefits. This comes as Ofgem announced a 10% increase in the energy price cap, raising the average household energy bill to £1,717. Critics, including Labour MP Rachael Maskell, have expressed deep concern about the potential impact on vulnerable populations, urging the government to reconsider the policy. The rise in energy prices is attributed to a combination of factors, including the need for energy companies to make a profit, despite recent reports of significant profits within the industry.