By GB News (Politics) | Created at 2024-11-20 14:53:40 | Updated at 2024-11-21 17:03:44
1 day ago
A pensioner has told GB News he is frequenting his local pub to ensure he gets a warm meal in a heart-wrenching story after losing his winter fuel payment.
Bill Robinson, 80, told GB News that his partner left him eight weeks ago and he is now struggling without the extra money to keep warm.
Speaking to GB News, he said: "Well, eight weeks ago, my partner left me, so I'm on my own anyway. I've got to come to the pub for a meal."
He added that he is "a lot warmer" in his local Nottingham pub than he is at home.
Bill Robinson has been forced to go to the pub for lunch everyday to keep warm
GB News
He said: "It's warmer in the pub and you get a nice warm meal. It is time to bring back the Conservatives."
Under changes announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Winter Fuel Payments will now only be available to pensioners receiving certain means-tested benefits.
The move affects approximately ten million pensioners who will no longer receive the payment, which is worth up to £300.
Previously, anyone over state pension age was automatically eligible for the winter fuel payments, designed to help with heating costs during cold months.
The new rules require recipients to be claiming specific benefits, including Pension Credit, Universal Credit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance.
Charities, including Age UK, have expressed serious concerns about the decision to remove the universal nature of the payment.
The Winter Fuel payment is now means tested
GB NEWS
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The Commons Social Security Advisory Committee has also raised alarms, noting that 70% of disabled pensioners will miss out on their payment this winter.
Labour has stood firmly behind its decision to implement the controversial policy change this winter, citing the need to address a £22 billion black hole they claim was left by the Conservatives.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Emma Reynolds defended the government's position in the Commons, noting they had completed required equality analysis of the decision in September.
Temperatures have dropped to freezing this week
GB News
"After the election we found ourselves in a situation of having a £22 billion black hole, with Treasury reserves spent three times over," Reynolds stated.
Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Helen Whately has criticised the move, warning it will see "750,000 of the poorest pensioners miss out on much-needed help with the cost of heating."
According to Labour's own research, the policy could lead to 4,000 additional deaths this winter.
Opposition to the changes is mounting, with an online petition calling for a government U-turn now reaching 18,138 signatures.
