Latest news with #winterfuelpayments
The Independent
a day ago
- Business
- The Independent
What Starmer's benefits backdowns will cost the UK
Sir Keir Starmer 's recent U-turns on welfare and winter fuel payments have created a £4.5 billion deficit in public finances, necessitating tax increases or spending cuts. The decision to protect all existing Personal Independence Payment (Pip) recipients and those receiving the health element of Universal Credit will cost an estimated £3.2 billion annually. This financial shortfall is compounded by the £1.3 billion decision to reinstate winter fuel payments for pensioners, making the chancellor 's autumn Budget balancing act more challenging. The concessions were made to appease Labour MPs and prevent a humiliating defeat on the controversial welfare bill, which faced strong opposition. Critics warn that the changes could lead to a 'two-tier system' for Pip claimants, where new and existing recipients face different eligibility criteria.
BBC News
16-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Scottish winter fuel payment 'will not be less than UK rate'
Winter fuel payments for Scottish pensioners will not be less than those being paid by the UK government south of the border, John Swinney has said. The first minister made the announcement after Chancellor Rachel Reeves U-turned on a highly controversial Scottish government had already said it would provide at least £100 to all pensioner households, with those on pension credit to receive up to £305 depending on age. But in a speech in Glasgow, Swinney confirmed no Scottish pensioner "will receive less than they would under the new UK scheme", without giving further details. Under the chancellor's scheme, every household with a person over the state pension age in England and Wales and an income of up to £35,000 will receive £200 for those aged up to 80 and £300 for those aged over those with an income of more than £35,000, the money will be recouped through the tax was heavily criticised for cutting universal entitlement to winter fuel payments in September last year, with only those on Pension Credit or other benefits Scottish government was due to take over responsibility for winter fuel payments in September - but the introduction of a new universal benefit was delayed after the UK government Scottish government later committed to launching its own winter fuel the plan, all households with a person over state pension age would receive an automatic £100 is to increase to £203 for those under the age of 80 on pension credits, and to £305 for those older than 80. It also includes an "opt-out" system for pensioners who are better off, meaning they can return the payment to the Scottish government or donate it to charity if they feel it is unnecessary.
BBC News
13-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Scottish couple lose legal challenge of winter fuel payment cuts
A couple have lost a bid to sue the UK and Scottish governments over the decision to cut winter fuel Peter and Flo Fanning, from Coatbridge in North Lanarkshire, took their case to the Court of Session in Edinburgh in March, alleging that both governments failed to adequately consult with those of pension age and did not release an equality impact assessment on the Court of Session ruled to refuse the petition on couple's lawyers have said they have no doubt the Fanning's litigation had been influential in securing U-turns by both governments. A spokesperson from the Govan Law Centre told BBC Scotland News: "While our clients have lost their case at first instance, we have no doubt that this litigation has been influential in securing the partial U-turn made by the Scottish government last November and the major policy U-turn confirmed by the UK government earlier this week."We hope that the Scottish government will now follow suit and restore the winter fuel payment in full for people such as our clients."Earlier this week, the UK government abandoned plans to withdraw the payments from all but the poorest pensioners after the scheme drew widespread Scottish government had already launched its own winter fuel benefit in response to the original cuts which included extra support for those less well-off, but also a universal payment which is unaffected by Govan Law Centre added the legal challenge "was always one of process" and the fact the UK government has already reconsidered the cuts "vindicates" their said that an appeal would have "reasonable prospects of success" but added it is unlikely that legal aid would be provided for this. What's happening with winter fuel payments? About 10 million pensioners in England and Wales lost their allowance under new measures announced by chancellor Rachel Reeves in July last on pension credit or certain other means-tested benefits retained the annual payments, worth between £100 and £ Scotland, the payment was devolved to Holyrood in April 2024, but the Scottish government followed the actions of their counterparts in Westminster in terminating it in August 2024, arguing £160m had been taken from its budget.A new alternative, called the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (PAWHP), was due to be introduced the following month, but that has since been pushed back to winter will also be means-tested, despite ministers claiming it would not Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville recently said the universal approach of the devolved Scottish scheme was important - but that wealthier pensioners would be made aware that they could opt current plan is for all pensioner households to receive at least £100 regardless of income, while those on pension credit will receive up to £305 depending on the devolved government in Northern Ireland also followed suit, but affected pensioners were given a one-off £100 payment from Stormont in November.
Telegraph
13-06-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Rachel Reeves has lost control
On Tuesday, Sir Keir Starmer told the nation that the Government's U-turn on cuts to winter fuel payments was the result of 'better growth'. On Wednesday, Rachel Reeves felt able to announce billions of pounds of new spending on public services and infrastructure. And on Thursday, April's GDP figures showed the biggest monthly drop since 2023 as Labour's tax hikes came home to roost. It is hard to think of a better summary of the mess this Government has made of its messaging and this nation. After less than a year in office, Rachel Reeves and Sir Keir Starmer appear to have run out of ideas entirely. As Paul Johnson of the Institute for Fiscal Studies has pointed out, the notion that this was a careful exercise in cutting the waste in state spending is without merit. There is no 'particular area of spending' where the Government has decided to 'withdraw', with virtually every department facing 'exactly the same cut in its administration budgets'. Moreover, the plan for dealing with the NHS – an organisation that has translated massive rises in the number of hospital doctors and nursing staff employed into an 8 per cent fall in productivity since 2019 – is to simply throw more money onto the furnace. Yet while Sir Keir and Ms Reeves feel ready to start splashing the cash on the Government's favoured causes, the underlying state of Britain's finances remains parlous, with any knock to growth likely to trigger further tax rises. The blunt truth of the matter is that this country is on an unsustainable fiscal course, and that tough decisions will need to be faced if we are to rectify this. The evidence to date is that this Labour Government is unwilling and unable to take them.
Sky News
12-06-2025
- Business
- Sky News
The benefits and discounts available to pensioners
Why you can trust Sky News The reinstatement of winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners made headlines at the start of this week. The withdrawal of the winter fuel allowance at the start of the Labour government's term sparked criticism last September, with fears some poorer pensioners would be forced to choose between heating and eating, even though the government insisted the worst off would still be able to claim financial support. The cut has now been reversed - and the chancellor confirmed the support will extend to everyone over the state pension age with an income of £35,000 a year or below. Nine million more pensioners should be eligible for payments this winter, compared to last. It's one of a number of entitlements and perks available to those reaching state pension age - here, we have a look at many of the benefits and discounts up for grabs... Government benefits and entitlements State pension This is a regular payment from the government once you reach state pension age and it's determined by your national insurance contributions. State pension age is currently 66 for both men and women. A full basic state pension comes in at £221.20 a week and you can read more about it here. Attendance allowance Worth up to £108.55 a week, this is for people over state pension age who need help with personal care or supervision because of an illness or disability. Eligibility information here. Pension credit This is a means-tested benefit for people over state pension age who have a low income. It comes in at £218.15 a week for single people and £332.95 per week for couples. More information here. Cold weather payment This benefit is £25 a week and to be eligible the average temperature in your area needs to have been, or be forecasted to be, 0C or less for seven days in a row. You'll usually be eligible for the payments if you get pension credit. Check your eligibility here. Warm Home Discount It's a one-off payment of £150 to help with the cost of energy during the winter. Those who are with an electricity supplier who is part of the Warm Home Discount scheme will get the payment automatically if you or your partner receive the Guarantee Credit portion of pension credit. Info here. National Insurance cut You stop paying Class 4 National Insurance after you reach state pension age. Free gas safety check Some energy companies provide free gas safety checks for those ages 65. To sign up, just search for your gas provider (eg, British Gas) and "Priority Services Register". TV Those over the age of 75 and receiving pension credit can get a free TV Licence, paid for by the BBC. Health These are free to anyone 60 and over. Eye tests You're entitled to a free NHS sight test if you are 60 or over. Info here. Dental NHS dental treatment is not free for pensioners, but you may be eligible for free dental treatment if you or your partner receive: • Income Support • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance • Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance • Pension Credit Guarantee Credit • Pension Credit Guarantee Credit with Savings Credit • Universal Credit Info here. Wigs and fabric support You're entitled to free NHS wigs and fabric supports if you or your partner gets: • Pension Credit Guarantee Credit or • Pension Credit Guarantee Credit with Savings Credit. Travel Senior railcard This allows those aged 60 or over to save 1/3 on most rail fares throughout Great Britain. A one-year card costs £30 while a three-year senior railcard is £70. Sign up here. Interrail pass Over 60s can enjoy 10% discount on travel in Europe with this pass (which lets you explore 33 countries by train). Click here if you're interested. Free bus pass In Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and London, you can get a pass for free travel when you reach 60. Apply for those here. National Express senior coachcard If you're 60 or over you can get a senior coachcard which offers 1/3 off standard and fully flexible fares to hundreds of towns, cities and airports across the UK. Click here for more on that. London taxicard scheme This is for people with long-term mobility difficulties, or severe sight impairment. Those who receive a War Pension Mobility Supplement are automatically eligible for this. Apply here. Vehicle discounts ATS Euromaster offer discounts to those who join their Club 60 group. The range of benefits include an MOT for just £27 and 15% off servicing. Hotels Travelodge The hotel chain offers 25% off on stays for those over 60. Princess Hotels & Resorts The company offers discounts of up to 20% to senior citizens. Marriott Bonvoy The Marriott senior discount is offered to all guests 62 and over. Radisson Hotels The hotel typically gives 10% discount off their standard rates for senior citizens. Hilton Hotels Travellers aged 65 and older can save up to 7% on stays. RH Hotels If you are over 60, you will get a 5% discount and free water/wine at meals (subject to availability) at RH Hotels sites. Food and restaurants Greene King Pubs There are menus offered for senior citizens at reduced prices. Patisserie Valerie The chain offers 10% off for over 60s. Dobbies garden centres Those over 60 can enjoy a main course and any cake for only £11.95 (available Monday to Friday from 12noon until 3pm). Discounts on days out National Trust sites With a National Trust senior membership card, you can get free entry to over 500 locations across the UK. If you're an existing member aged 60 or over, and you've been a member for at least the past three consecutive years, you can ask for 25% off your subscription, which means that you'll pay £68.40 for individual senior membership. More info here. English Heritage A senior membership card offers access to over 400 sites and gives you free parking at most of these places. The monthly fee is £5.50 while if you pay for it annually it is £66. Apply for an annual pass here. People over 60 are entitled to a senior life membership card. The card offers a number of benefits, including unlimited entry to RHS gardens, discounted tickets to RHS shows such as the Chelsea Flower Show, and personal gardening advice. More here. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew There are concessions for senior citizens over the age of 65. Theatre discounts National Theatre All over 60s can save on midweek matinees with £20 off £69 and £49 tickets for shows in the Lyttelton and Olivier theatres. Royal Shakespeare Company Over 65s are entitled to discounted tickets. A 20% discount is available on all seats for Monday and Tuesday evening performances and all midweek matinees. Birmingham Hippodrome The theatre offers concessions to those over 65. Savoy Theatre Senior citizens (anyone over the age of 60) can claim discounts of up to 25% for select shows. Theatre Royal Glasgow Those over the age of 60 can get discounts on tickets. Museums Imperial War Museums Those over 65 are entitled to discounts on tickets. Tate Modern While entry to the museum is free, there are special exhibitions that are ticketed. Over 60s can enter these special exhibitions for a discount. London Transport Museum Over 60s are offered concessions on annual passes. Football season ticket discounts A number of football clubs offer discounted tickets to senior football fans. These are just a few of them... Arsenal Offers senior season ticket holders a 57% discount. Liverpool FC Concessions for over 65s. Sheffield United Concessionary tickets to seniors aged 60 or over. West Ham United Football goers over the age of 66 have access to concessions. Chelsea FC Those 65 or over will be able to purchase a senior citizen ticket during the reservation period and reserve their seat for Home cup or Home UEFA competition matches at a reduced concession price. Retail Boots There is an over 60s reward that allows you to gain eight points on every £1 you spend on Boots brands and selected exclusives. Iceland The chain offers 10% discount for over 60s every Tuesday if you have a get a bonus card. Odeon Over 60s can join the Silver Cinema Club and enjoy special screenings during quieter times of the day. Tickets start from £3.50 and the price includes tea, coffee and biscuits, served before the film. Specsavers If you're over 60 and buy a single pair of glasses from the store's £70 range or above, you'll get 20% off. Other perks Boundless Retirees from the public sector or civil service can save up to 35% on flights, holidays, days out car hire and much more if they sign up for a Boundless membership card. Ramblers Association The walking charity offers concessionary individual or joint membership to those who receive only a state pension (no private pension). The membership entitles you to thousands of walking routes, access to guided group walks and savings on gear. Golf Some golf clubs offer membership discounts to older players. You can find out if there is a golf club near you that offers a membership discount via Golf Support. Vet bills The Dogs Trust offers 50% off their membership for over 60s. But it is also worth asking your local vets to see if there are any discounts for over 60s. Handyperson services Over 70 local Age UKs operate handyperson services which offer the elderly extra help with small practical jobs, including small repairs and home security. You can find out what is available in your area on the Foundations website. Better Leisure Centres If you're 66 the Better Health Senior Membership allows you to access the company's range of gyms, swimming pools and fitness classes, all at a competitive price. You can also get up to 30% off other activities and services.
