Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Cost of Living: Pensioners

Monday 18 December 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • More than 8 million pensioner households will receive a 300 payment this winter to top up their winter fuel allowance payment.
  • Anyone bereaved will potentially face severe financial difficulties, and the funeral expenses payment is part of the social fund available.
  • The warm home discount has been increased to up to 150 to help reduce pensioners' financial burden.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 David Simmonds Con Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The question addresses the financial challenges faced by pensioners due to rising living costs.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to help pensioners with the cost of living. Pensioner households are struggling, and assistance is needed.

Answer from Paul Maynard

More than 8 million pensioner households will receive a £300 payment this winter to top up their winter fuel allowance payment. The 1.4 million pensioners currently in receipt of pension credit may also receive cost of living payments totalling up to £900 in 2023-24.

Answered
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Q2 Damien Moore Con
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The question addresses the financial difficulties faced by pensioners who have lost their partners.

Question

In Southport we have a significant number of pensioners who, having lost their partners, now face the added challenge of managing increased living costs alone. Can the Minister kindly elaborate on what specific initiatives or support mechanisms are in place to assist people in those financially difficult circumstances?

Answer from Paul Maynard

Anyone who suffers a bereavement at any time will potentially be in severe financial difficulties. I direct my hon. Friend to the funeral expenses payment, which is part of the social fund. The triple lock will result in an 8.5% increase in the state pension next year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific initiatives for bereaved pensioners

How: Direct Friend To Funeral Expenses Payment, Triple Lock

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Q3 David Simmonds Con Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner
Energy Benefits & Welfare
Context

The question addresses concerns about high fuel prices this winter affecting pensioners.

Question

Despite the welcome fall in inflation, my constituent Deborah Garrard speaks for herself and many pensioners who are concerned about a second winter of high fuel prices. Will my hon. Friend outline what further measures the Department is considering to help reduce pensioners' financial burden?

Answer from Paul Maynard

I know that Mrs Garrard will not be the only older resident in the country concerned about energy prices this winter. We have increased the warm home discount to up to £150, and there is a whole suite of cold weather payments.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific measures for reducing pensioners' financial burden

How: Suite Of Cold Weather Payments

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