The winter fuel payment cut proposed by the Labour government has caused extreme worries among the poor, sick and disabled pensioners.
With these reductions, many among the elderly, will face significant difficulties in maintaining a warm and safe living environment during the winter months.
The increased financial pressure is likely to exacerbate feelings of isolation and anxiety, as they may cut back on necessary services and personal care to make ends meet.
The loss of this crucial support will significantly diminish their quality of life, leaving them vulnerable to both physical and emotional hardships during the colder season.
Asian Voice has spoken to the elderly in the community about their concerns, future and way forward.
Starmer’s £1.5bn winter fuel cut faces internal dissent
Prime Minister Keir Starmer narrowly avoided a major party rebellion over the proposed £1.5bn cut in winter fuel payments for the elderly, as discontented lawmakers chose to abstain rather than vote against the government.
The vote was a crucial test of Starmer’s authority, coming just two months after his landslide election victory. It also tested his commitment to advancing government spending cuts, which he argues are essential for improving Britain’s public finances.
A freedom of information response quietly published by the government showed that 4.6 million people who live alone will lose their winter fuel payments this year.
Almost three million people aged 80 and above will lose it, as well as 7.3 million aged between 66 to 79.
Documents also reveal that seven in 10 disabled pensioners will lose their winter fuel payments due to Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves' cuts, following Labour's equality assessment.
The assessment concludes that couples are the most likely to be impacted, with men slightly more affected than women, as they are less likely to be on the lowest incomes.
Rachel has claimed £4,400 of taxpayer cash towards her energy bills, has defended the winter fuel policy, which will be used to help plug a £22bn fiscal “black hole” in public finances. But the decision has caused concern among a number of backbenchers.
More than 50 Labour MPs defied Sir Keir last week and refused to vote for the change. PM Starmer has also received dozens of letters from council leaders calling for an about-turn.
‘The sudden change has put lives at risk’
Morgan Vine, Head of Policy and Influencing at Independent Age said, “It is not an overstatement to warn that, in its current form, this sudden change puts lives at risk. Too many people on a low income now face an uncertain winter where their budgets are even more stretched and will be forced to make dangerous and stressful decisions. While we understand that the UK Government must make difficult decisions, this is too much, too soon. We urge the Chancellor to not make this change now, and instead ensure every older person has an adequate income to avoid financial hardship before removing the Winter Fuel Payment. Any less risks serious consequences for older people in poverty.
Zeenat Jeewa, CEO of Asian People’s Disability Alliance said, “APDA is very worried about the dire situation that many Asian older and disabled people already face and now will potentially further face if they do not meet the new eligibility criteria for the winter fuel allowances from the UK Government. This essential support at Winter to Pensioners is critical to ensuring older people can stay warm during these difficult times where everyone is facing financial constraints. Again we will witness people having to make hard choices about whether to eat or heat their homes. We hope the government will rethink the ways to continue supporting those most vulnerable in our society and communities."
Joanna Young, Chief Executive at Citizens Advice North Lancashire says: 'We have seen an increase in pensioners coming to us very concerned about the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment, many of whom are on the threshold meaning they just miss out. We are encouraging people to do a benefits check to see what they are eligible for, whether that be Pension Credit or the Household Support Fund. Citizens Advice can help with this or you can use an online benefits calculator. It is important that people claim what they are entitled to. We know the Government is having to make some tough financial decisions, but we are asking them to consider those on the lowest incomes who are facing a tough, cold Winter. With the upcoming budget in mind, we are urging the Government to support the most vulnerable and ensure benefits are in line with the cost of living.'
Winter Fuel Payment is important for pensioners
71-year-old Aftab Ahmad is a founding member of the Hamara Healthy Living Centre in Beeston, Leeds and is chair of the men’s elder group. He said, “It’s very disappointing. The winter fuel payment is important for pensioners, it makes their lives easier and now the government is trying to take it away. Means-testing it will definitely increase hardship and damage people’s health. I know I’m personally going to struggle more without it and so will other older people I know. It’s already increasing older people’s stress and anxiety. Since it was announced it’s been a hot topic at the Hamara centre, I’ve spoken to many older people and they’re worried about it.”
Couple Pritpal Kaur (Hula Hoop Kaur) and Rajinder Singh MBE aka Skipping Sikh, who are loved by all for their inspiration to keep fit and moving, especially during Covid-19, are pensioners. They felt worried and upset when they first heard about the recent changes to the winter fuel allowance.
Pritpal, who is suffering from cancer, said, “I felt very upset and sad as it means someone like me who has myeloma, a rare blood cancer, will miss out and that's just not fair. I am vulnerable and immunocompromised and I feel the cold easily and need the heating on all the time even in summer. I feel really angry at the government and I wish I had never voted Labour.”
Speaking about the difficult choice the couple are going to make, Rajinder said, “We will have to cut back on food and even healthcare or little things like not using the electricity much or the water. We don't have a washing machine and use the launderette - so that's also another cost, we need to cut back on.”
Pritpal further shared her concerns about staying warm during winter. She added, "I'll have to rely on an electric blanket and hot water bottle, and probably avoid using my underfloor heating. No one informs us about any help available, and it's going to be hard. We are incredibly worried about the winter—I feel so cold and just want to use my heating when I need it."
Rajinder added, "I'll have to wear extra layers of clothing and cut down on heating. It's going to be really tough for us."
80-year-old Shardaben Shah feels elderly people are in a tough situation of not being able to go out and are stuck at home. She said, “Without adequate heating, staying indoors becomes unbearable, especially in winter. Many have severe leg problems like me, and the cold only makes it worse, causing stiffness and pain. Without proper warmth and mobility, my quality of life will significantly decline, making it extremely difficult for me to manage daily tasks and stay comfortable. Even if I manage to get out, if they cut the winter fuel allowance, the cold home will become unbearable If I can't go out due to the cold or can't afford to heat my home, it will be hard to manage daily tasks like cooking or shopping. The situation will be dire without adequate support.
“If I spend money on heating, I won't have enough left to pay for help, and vice versa. If I can't afford to pay for cleaning services, I must manage on my own, and that’s challenging if it’s too cold. There are times when help is necessary, especially if I can't do my own shopping or cleaning, but it doesn’t always come for free” she added.
Rashmi Shah, 60 said “My husband and I will need to make adjustments at home as we both feel the cold intensely. Mr Shah, due to his disability and health issues, is particularly affected. We avoid going out because of these concerns, and the cold exacerbates our discomfort. As a result, we’ll have to make some difficult choices. To manage expenses, we are forced to find ways to cut costs, such as reducing spending on food, clothing, or heating.”
Many elderly individuals report increased loneliness
Kashmira Jya who is 64 is disabled and wheelchair bound emphasised that elderly individuals often need assistance with both technical tasks and daily activities. She highlighted that many seniors cannot manage on their own and rely on others for support.
She said, “Many older people lack smartphones or digital skills, leaving them vulnerable to fraud and unable to manage online hospital appointments. Many elderly people are often in the need support and connection. However due to Covid-19, which forced many people to live in isolation also had drastic effect on the older people. Since then, many elderly individuals report increased loneliness, leading to poor mental health and self-care. This has added pressure on hospitals, highlighting a broader crisis of loneliness.
“I'm fortunate to have support from my family, friends, and APDA, where I've been involved for nearly 39 years. However, many in the South Asian community, especially Punjabis and Pakistanis, struggle with loneliness and language barriers in medical care, worsening their suffering,” she added.
Rashmi emphasised loneliness stems from various reasons such as not being able to go out or lack of company. She said, “Social interactions are increasingly digital, and essential services like day centres and transportation options like Dial-a-Ride are being cut or poorly managed. This leaves many feeling isolated, especially those who rely on public transport and community services. Even young people working from home experience loneliness due to the lack of in-person interactions. More community support and accessible services are needed to address these challenges and improve social connections.”
“Given the rising costs, elderly people who are unable to go out might seek warmth in shopping malls or other public spaces. However, this is problematic as it exacerbates isolation, especially after the lockdowns and Covid-19 restrictions. Those with disabilities who cannot leave their homes face additional challenges. To manage expenses, we need to explore alternative solutions to stay warm without compromising our health or well-being,” she added.
Speaking about how financial pressures can be tough to stay connected with others, Shardaben said, “Loneliness is a constant challenge, especially for those who can't go out. Even staying connected by phone can be costly, with landline bills rising significantly. Adding to that, expenses for TV, broadband, and heating are also increasing. Many people struggle to afford basic utilities and entertainment because the costs keep climbing. For instance, a landline bill can reach around £85 to £90, while mobile, TV, and broadband charges add up as well. Balancing these expenses is tough, leaving people to choose between paying for essentials like heating and enjoying entertainment.”
