Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Winter Fuel Payment Eligibility: Impact

Monday 11 November 2024 · 2 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

  • Rebecca Smith asked about the potential impact of changes to the eligibility criteria for the winter fuel payment on pensioner poverty.
  • The Government urges pensioners to check their eligibility for pension credit to ensure they receive the support to which they are entitled.
  • Rebecca Smith mentioned assisting a 97-year-old constituent, Joyce, with securing pension credit after concerns about losing her winter fuel payment.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Rebecca Smith Con South West Devon
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The question arises from concerns about changes to the winter fuel payment eligibility, potentially impacting pensioner poverty.

Question

If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of changes to the eligibility criteria for the winter fuel payment on trends in the level of pensioner poverty. Pensioners like Joyce, a 97-year-old constituent worried about losing her winter fuel payment, highlight the need for clarity and support.

Answer from Emma Reynolds

The Government remain absolutely committed to supporting pensioners. We are urging pensioners to check their eligibility for pension credit to ensure that as many people as possible have access to the support to which they are entitled.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Assessment of impact on pensioner poverty

How: We Are Committed, Urging Pensioners

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Q2 Rebecca Smith Con South West Devon
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The question stems from a constituent, Joyce, who was concerned about losing her winter fuel payment. The MP's team helped Joyce secure pension credit.

Question

Ninety-seven-year-old Joyce from my constituency was worried about losing her winter fuel payment, so she contacted my office. It sounds like the Minister has had a similar experience. Fortunately, my team was able to assist Joyce. We ran a full benefits check, and helped her to secure pension credit, and therefore her winter fuel payment entitlement. However, does the Minister think that it is right that the oldest and most vulnerable should have to resort to getting their MP to help them claim pension credit?

Answer from Emma Reynolds

I am glad to hear that the hon. Lady was able to help her constituent. We are looking at the form, as I mentioned in a previous answer, and we will update the House soon on those developments.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The appropriateness of pensioners relying on MPs for claiming credit

How: Looking At, Will Update

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