Winter Fuel Payment: Medical Conditions

In the House of Commons, Conservative MP Bradley Thomas of Bromsgrove asked the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Emma Reynolds, about the potential impact of means-testing the winter fuel payment on people with medical conditions exacerbated by cold weather. In her response, the Minister acknowledged that pensioners with long-term health conditions or disabilities may be eligible for disability-related benefits, which can provide additional support. However, she explained that the decision to potentially means-test the winter fuel payment was not one the government wanted to make, but was necessitated by the £22 billion black hole in public finances they inherited. The Minister highlighted other measures, such as the extension of the household support fund and the increase in state pension through the triple lock. Responding to the Minister's comments, Mr. Thomas raised the case of his constituent, Ann, who has high energy usage due to medical needs, and asked what sacrifices the Minister expects her to make to protect her health this winter. The Minister acknowledged the difficult situation, but reiterated the government's efforts to provide support through various schemes and the increase in state pension. Labour MP Neil Duncan-Jordan of Poole then intervened, noting that 2 million older people currently live in poverty in the country, with millions more just above the poverty level. He asked the Minister if she would agree to set up a pensioner taskforce to tackle pensioner poverty once and for all. The Minister responded by thanking the MP for his question and stating that she would be willing to meet with him and other members to discuss their concerns on this matter.