Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the planned changes to the Winter Fuel Payment, announced on 9 June 2025, for what reason an income threshold of £35,000 for the Winter Fuel Payment was decided.

The Government wants more pensioners to benefit from Winter Fuel Payments. The £35,000 threshold means that the vast majority of pensions - more than three quarters and around 9 million individuals - will benefit from a Winter Fuel Payment. The threshold is also broadly in line with average earnings. This change also ensures that the means-testing of winter fuel payments has no effect on pensioner poverty.

Restricting Winter Fuel Payments to those with incomes below or equal to £35,000 means those on lower and middle incomes will still receive the help they need and ensures fairness for both pensioners and taxpayers.