Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people will no longer be able to access winter fuel payments.

This Government is committed to pensioners – everyone in our society, no matter their working history or savings deserves a comfortable and dignified retirement.

Given the substantial pressures faced by the public finances this year and next, the government has had to make hard choices to bring the public finances back under control.

For England and Wales, the changes in eligibility requirements are expected to decrease the number of people who get the Winter Fuel Payment from 10.8m to 1.5m.

We know there are low-income pensioners who aren’t claiming Pension Credit, and we urge those people to apply. This will passport them to receive Winter Fuel Payment alongside other benefits – hundreds of pounds that could really help them. We will ensure that the poorest pensioners get the support they need. There are other pensioners who are eligible for Winter Fuel Payments (as they claim other means tested benefits).