I wanted to update my constituents on the winter fuel payment for pensioners.

The decision last year to limit winter fuel payments to those on pension credit was really tough, but it was the right one because of the terrible economic inheritance we had been left by the previous government.

However, now that the public finances and the economy are improving we are in a position to increase significantly the number of pensioners who will receive the fuel payment this winter.

The winter fuel payment will still be means-tested – rather than restoring eligibility to everyone including the wealthiest – but nine million pensioners will receive winter fuel payments this winter. That will be over three quarters of pensioners in England
and Wales.

No pensioner will need to take any action as they will automatically receive the payment this winter. Repayments from those whose incomes are over £35,000 pa will happen automatically.

I would also like to point out that over 12 million pensioners across the UK will also benefit from the Triple Lock, with
their State Pension set to increase by up to £1,900 this Parliament.

I hope this is helpful.

Best wishes

Rt Hon Hilary Benn 
MP for Leeds South
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland