Winter Fuel Payment changes face Committee scrutiny

Wednesday 4 June 2025, 09.30am, Committee Room 16

More details of Winter Fuel Payment eligibility changes announced by the Government will be sought by the Work and Pensions Committee as it hears from Pensions Minister Torsten Bell.

Last winter, formerly universal Winter Fuel Payment eligibility was restricted to those in receipt of Pension Credit to ensure that only those most in need received support. However, following a backlash against the move, the Prime Minister announced that he would make more people eligible this winter, without saying how many or how.

During the session, the final oral evidence session of the Committee's Pensioner Poverty inquiry, Bell will be questioned on how the Government is tackling poverty in retirement, including around Pension Credit.

In previous sessions, the Committee has heard how many pensioners are having to tighten their belts as a result of the increased cost of living and the support cliff-edge experienced by those who are just above the Pension Credit threshold and consequently miss out on thousands of pounds in income support.

Witnesses

From 09.30:

• Torsten Bell MP, Minister for Pensions, Department for Work and Pensions.