Winter Fuel Allowance: Over half of pensioners say they will heat their homes less this winter

EMBARGO: 22:30 Monday 9th September 

• Over half (55%) of UK pensioners polled say they will likely heat their homes less this winter due to the withdrawal of the Winter Fuel Payment, while four in ten (39%) say they will cut back on essentials.

• Two-thirds (65%) say they will take cost-cutting measures due to the government’s announcement to withdraw the Winter Fuel Payment support. One in five (19%) say they will eat less this winter.

• Liberal Democrats call on the Labour government to urgently rethink cuts that will affect around 11 million people and pledge to vote against the cut in Parliament.

A new poll commissioned by the Liberal Democrats has revealed the staggering effects of the cut to the Winter Fuel Allowance this winter. 

The poll of pensioners showed that three in four (75%) expect to be affected by the Government’s cut to winter fuel allowance payments. 

Staggeringly, over half (55%) of UK pensioners polled said they would likely be heating their homes less this winter, while 4 in 10 will look to cut back on other ‘essentials’. 

1 in 5 (19%) pensioners are planning to eat less this winter due to the cut. 

Research from the charity Age UK shows the proposed cut to Winter Fuel Payments will mean two million will find paying their energy bills a real stretch and will be seriously hit by this cut.

 The poll comes as there is set to be a vote in Parliament on the cut to the Winter Fuel Allowance. Liberal Democrats initially called for a vote by tabling a motion and will now take the opportunity to oppose the government.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey MP said: 

“The government should do the right thing and change course on this. 

“This decision to cut the Winter Fuel Allowance will put untold stress on pensioners, with many facing a heartbreaking choice between heating and eating this winter. 

“While we understand the dire state the Conservatives left the public finances in, now is not the time to be cutting support to some of the most vulnerable people in our society. 

“We cannot stand by and allow millions of pensioners to endure another winter in a cost of living crisis, Liberal Democrats will be voting against the government’s cut.” 

ENDS 

Notes to Editors:

Methodology: Savanta interviewed 2,243 UK adults aged 18+ online on 30^th August to 1^st September 2024. Data were weighted to be representative of the UK by age, sex, region, and social grade  Full data tables here

Q1. The government has announced it is planning to withdraw the Winter Fuel Payment from pensioners who aren’t entitled to pension credit or other means-tested benefits. This payment helps towards energy bills, which are set to rise this winter.

Which of the following best describes you? Base: All respondents aged 65 and over (n=564)

Q2. Which of the following, if any, are you likely to do as a result of the withdrawal of the Winter Fuel Payment support? Base: All respondents aged 65 and over (n=564)

Age UK research showing that two million pensioners would struggle with the cut to the Winter Fuel Payment can be found here.