| Head of Policy and Influencing at Independent Age Morgan Vine said:“We welcome the UK Government’s decision to extend the Household Support Fund for six months. Thankfully this fund will now be available through the winter months to support people of all ages in financial hardship with bills and other essential costs. “While this is a positive step, today’s extension won’t undo all of the potential damage that could be caused by means testing the Winter Fuel Payment, with millions of older people on a low income set to miss out on this vital support. ” Partly because the Winter Fuel Payment is automated whereas the eligibility criteria for the Household Support Fund is decided by local councils and varies across the country.“ People experiencing poverty in later life tell us they need more money in their pocket now, as well as long term strategic plans – such as the introduction of a national energy social tariff – to improve their future. “In the short-term, we’re calling on the UK Government to delay plans to tie the Winter Fuel Payment to Pension Credit as far too many older people in financial hardship will fall through the cracks. “Currently there are up to 1.2 million eligible older people missing out on the Pension Credit they’re entitled to. We are also concerned about the large group of older people that are just above the Pension Credit eligibility threshold. “Many tell us they don’t have enough money to live on, but will still have their income cut at an already challenging time of year with energy prices on the rise. “We are ready to work with the UK Government to help identify solutions and reach older people living in poverty. Nobody in later life that needs financial support should be left behind.”– |
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.