Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Winter Fuel Payment: Medical Conditions

Monday 7 October 2024 · 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 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Bradley Thomas raised concerns about the impact of means-testing for winter fuel payment on pensioners with medical conditions.
  • The Minister acknowledged financial constraints but highlighted extensions to the household support fund and additional funding for local councils.
  • Neil Duncan-Jordan proposed setting up a pensioner taskforce to address pensioner poverty comprehensively.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Bradley Thomas Con Bromsgrove
NHS Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP is concerned about the potential negative effects of means-testing winter fuel payments on pensioners with medical conditions exacerbated by cold weather.

Question

I am concerned about the potential impact of means-testing for winter fuel payment on people with medical conditions that are exacerbated by cold weather. Pensioners with such conditions may face significant health risks if they cannot afford to heat their homes adequately.

Answer from Emma Reynolds

I welcome the hon. Gentleman to his place. Pensioners with a long-term health condition or disability may be eligible for disability-related benefits, such as disability living allowance or attendance allowance, and these benefits also provide for an additional amount in pension credit for those on low incomes.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific impact of means-testing winter fuel payments was not addressed. The Minister discussed alternative benefits but did not assess the direct consequences of the policy change.

How: Welcoming To His Place

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Q2 Bradley Thomas Con Bromsgrove
NHS Energy Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP highlights a constituent named Ann, who has high energy usage due to medical needs and is concerned about the financial impact of means-testing for winter fuel payments.

Question

The Government's impersonal approach is cold comfort to thousands of disabled pensioners, including Ann in my constituency. She has to boil water to prevent infection and uses an electric nebuliser, and as a result she has high energy usage to protect her health. Can the Minister tell Ann what sacrifices she should make to protect her health this winter?

Answer from Emma Reynolds

This is a decision that we neither wanted nor expected to make, but when we came into office there was a £22 billion black hole in the public finances. There are mitigations in place. We have extended the household support fund and the hon. Gentleman's council will receive an extra £3.9 million. We are increasing the state pension. Through the triple lock, the state pension will increase by £1,700 in this Parliament. We will also deliver the warm home discount scheme, and I hope he will join me in making sure that every pensioner who is eligible for pension credit receives it, which will passport them to the winter fuel payment.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific sacrifices Ann should make were not addressed. The Minister discussed financial mitigations but did not provide concrete advice on managing health and expenses.

How: Acknowledging Financial Challenges

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Q3 Neil Duncan-Jordan Lab Poole
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP notes that millions of older people live in or near poverty, and suggests a taskforce to address pensioner poverty comprehensively.

Question

We know that 2 million older people currently live in poverty in this country, with millions more with incomes just above the poverty level. Does the Minister agree that the Government should set up a pensioner taskforce to look at how pensioner poverty can be tackled once and for all?

Answer from Emma Reynolds

I thank my hon. Friend for that question. I will meet him and any other Members of this House who have concerns on this matter.

Not addressed: The establishment of a taskforce was not committed to. The Minister only offered to meet with concerned MPs without specifying concrete action or commitment.

How: Meeting Offer

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