Residents have their say on changes to winter fuel payments

Labour chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in July that the Government would be introducing a means test for the winter fuel payment.

That policy is expected to reduce the number of pensioners in receipt of the payment by 10 million, from 11.4 million to 1.5 million, saving some £1.4 billion this financial year.

In Basingstoke, 30,296 pensioners were eligible for this payment before cuts were announced. However, due to the restrictions, 92.85 per cent of previously eligible pensioners will not receive this payment, leaving just over 28,000 elderly people without the funding.

Janet Gell, 77, from Buckskin, said that she believes the Government “doesn’t think of the old people”.

READ MORE: 'Labour has set the threshold for Winter Fuel Payments far too low'

Clive Able (Image: Newsquest) Clive Able, an 80-year-old ex-Gazette employee from Chineham, questioned why this cut couldn’t have been postponed until next year, especially with winter fast approaching, forcing some pensioners to make a choice between heat or eat.

Adele Exton, 66, from Hook, joked that she should commit a crime so she could go to prison and get free meals and a bed.

While the Winter Fuel Payment will still exist, they will only be for those on benefits or pension credit.

To be eligible, individuals must be above the state pension age and receive an income of less than £218.15 a week, or £332.92 if they live with a partner.

Savings are also taken into account when determining eligibility, with only those with £10,000 or less unaffected.

Anne Potten (Image: Newsquest) Anne Potten, 73, whose husband is a bilateral amputee said they still aren’t eligible for Winter Fuel Payment.

She added: “I understand that there are people who are eligible who perhaps didn’t need it, but I think anybody who has a disability should be entitled to something and I think anybody that’s over 80 should be entitled to something.”

For more information, head to the Government’s Winter Fuel Payment webpage.