Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether she has had discussions with Cabinet colleagues on raising the level of the Winter Fuel Allowance in 2022.

The Government is committed to the winter fuel payment and will continue to pay £200 to households with someone of State Pension Age and £300 to households with some aged 80 or over. We pay over 11m winter fuel payments each year at an annual cost of £2bn; this is a significant contribution to winter fuel bills. We keep all of our policies under review however, there are no plans at the current time to increase the level of the winter fuel payment.

Pension Credit also provides invaluable financial support for vulnerable pensioners. Around 1.4 million eligible pensioners across Great Britain receive some £5bn in Pension Credit, which tops up their retirement income and is a passport to other financial help such as support with housing costs, council tax, heating bills and a free TV licence for those over 75.

Local Authorities in England have discretion to design their own bespoke local schemes within the overall parameters of the Household Support Fund, with support primarily focused on food, energy & water bills and wider essentials. Up to 50% of the Fund is available for councils to spend on households without children, including those of State Pension age.

Cold Weather Payments are also available and help vulnerable people in receipt of certain income-related benefits to meet additional heating costs, during periods of unseasonably cold weather between 1 November and 31 March. This includes older people in receipt of Pension Credit.

The Warm Home Discount Scheme provides those in receipt of Pension Credit Guarantee Credit a discount of £140 on their energy bill providing their supplier is part of the scheme.