Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what fiscal steps her Department is taking to support pensioners with the cost of living in South Holland and the Deepings constituency.

This Government remains committed to supporting pensioners and giving them the dignity and security they deserve in retirement.

On 9 June the Government announced that, from this winter 2025-26, Winter Fuel Payment eligibility will be expanded in England and Wales. Pensioners with incomes below or equal to £35,000 will benefit from a Winter Fuel Payment. This will mean that the vast majority of pensioners over three quarters, or 9 million—will benefit from a Winter Fuel Payment. This change ensures that the means-testing of winter fuel payments has no effect on pensioner poverty.

Through our commitment to protect the Triple Lock around 26,000 pensioners in South Holland and the Deepings constituency benefitted from a 4.1% increase to their basic or new State Pension in April 2025. Over the course of this Parliament, the full yearly rate of the new State Pension is expected to increase by around £1,900 based on the Office for Budget Responsibility’s latest forecast.

Support available beyond the State Pension includes: free eye tests; NHS prescriptions; and free bus passes. Some pensioners may also qualify for means tested benefits including Pension Credit and Housing Benefit.