This change affects the payments, previously ranging from £250 to £600, which included a “Pensioner Cost of Living Payment” of £150 to £300.
Simon Francis from the End Fuel Poverty Coalition criticised the decision, warning it could worsen fuel poverty among pensioners, with 41% of over-75s potentially losing their winter heating budget.
Simon Francis said: “When Rishi Sunak threatened to axe Winter Fuel Payments in September 2023 we said that this could be a death sentence for pensioners who are only just about managing to keep out of fuel poverty.
“Nothing has changed.
“Energy prices are still high, people are still struggling with the cost of living and this dangerous decision by the Chancellor could condemn pensioners to living in cold damp homes this winter.”
Independent Age’s Morgan Vine echoed these concerns, stating the decision risks pushing many older people into financial hardship.
Morgan Vine said: “Pension Credit has an unacceptably low uptake at just 63%. This means a staggering 880,000 older people who are eligible could be missing out on money they need to turn their heating on.
“On top of this, every day we hear from older people who just miss out on Pension Credit but still struggle to pay their energy bills. They could now be heading into winter without this important lifeline.”
