Winter Fuel Allowance

If the previous Conservative government had taken away the Winter Fuel Allowance and  scrapped  their much delayed plans for social care, whilst at the same time putting nothing in its place, the oppositional noise  would quite rightly  have been huge.

But after 14 years  in opposition, the new government gets a free pass on this.

Whilst there are retirees who won’t miss the Winter Fuel Allowance, there are many who will.  Government data says 1.4m claim Pension Credit and therefore will continue to receive Winter Fuel Allowance, but approximately 860,000 individuals who are eligible for pension credit do not claim it - surely evidence enough to  demonstrate that means testing doesn’t work. These people and those who sit just above Pension Credit threshold are the ones who will be directly affected by this cut.

Burden

This cut aligns with an often unspoken view that pensioners have had it good -  too good with their triple lock, free bus passes etc. - while younger generations have shouldered the burden of austerity. There is even talk of making the state pension itself means tested.

The budget in October will bring in further negative changes for older people, seemingly responding to a narrative of the need to right perceived injustices. Younger people will not benefit, however, these changes will mean they may find themselves facing increasingly unaffordable retirement options, potentially needing to work until 70 or beyond.

In contrast, mass protests erupted in France last year when the government attempted to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64. In the UK, the retirement age is set to increase to 67 by 2026, with suggestions to extend it even further.

Disparity

Despite being the sixth richest country in the world, the UK’s state pension ranks 15th lowest among 30 European nations, trailing behind countries like Ukraine and Bosnia. This disparity calls into question the government’s priorities regarding social welfare.

The approach the Government is taking must be challenged. Rather than promoting equity, these measures risk deepening inequalities and worsening the financial security of both young and old. It is crucial for all generations to unite in opposition to these policies and advocate for a fairer system that benefits everyone.

12th August 2024