By GB News (World News) | Created at 2024-11-20 15:36:40 | Updated at 2024-11-24 17:50:17
4 days ago
A pensioner has revealed she relies on a small portable heater and extra layers of clothing to stay warm after changes to the Winter Fuel Payment.
Marion Measures, 82, told GB News she can no longer afford to run her wall heaters due to the expense.
Speaking to GB News, she said: "So really, the fuel allowance made a big difference to me on top of my basic pension.
"I'm out now and I haven't had left heating on. I have a little heater which I put on when I'm in.
"We come from a generation where we know how to manage, so we know how to cut back."
She added: "I mean, when you worked from 15 until you were 70 and then you retire expecting to be virtually trouble free, it's very annoying. It is an injustice."
Department for Work and Pensions modelling has revealed that limiting winter fuel allowance will push an estimated 100,000 more pensioners into relative poverty after housing costs by 2027.
The government analysis was published by the House of Commons Work and Pensions Committee.
Analysis by Age UK found that 82 per cent of pensioners living below or just above the poverty line will lose their Winter Fuel Payment this winter.
This includes elderly people aged over 80, disabled individuals, those living alone and people on very low incomes.
The charity revealed that 10.7 million pensioners are set to lose this benefit.
Almost one in four (23 per cent) of those affected live in poverty or just above the poverty line.
Marion Measures said it is an "injustice"
GB News
The impact varies significantly by region, with the South East, Northern Ireland and Wales worst affected.
In these areas, 86 per cent of the least well-off pensioners will lose their Winter Fuel Payment.
Even in the North East, which is the least affected region, 74 per cent of retirees in or close to poverty will lose the benefit.
