Latest news with #WinterFuelPayments
The National
21 hours ago
- Business
- The National
No one more to blame for cost of living crisis than Nigel Farage
Flynn claimed that no one is more responsible for the cost-of-living crisis, which independent analysis has previously shown that Brexit was among the leading causes, than Farage. Flynn has called on Farage to apologies to Scots ahead of his visit to Scotland on Monday, claiming that the Reform leader is the cause of the cost-of-living crisis and not the solution. He said: 'People feel that the economy isn't working for them right now, and it's no wonder given the mess the UK is in – but nobody has contributed to that mess more than Nigel Farage. 'For decades, Farage was Brexit's biggest champion, and we all know it has made us poorer. All the data and research backs this up – and people across Scotland feel it every time they go to the shops or pay their bills.' Farage was an integral part of the campaign to leave the EU and claimed that the UK spent an alleged £350m on EU membership which would be freed up for the NHS. (Image: Newsquest) However, just hours after the Brexit vote in 2016, Farage backpedaled his claim, which had been repeatedly criticised as inaccurate by the UK Statistics Authority. Prominent economists have cited Brexit as one of the main reasons for soaring bills and rising food costs, with the Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR) stating in October last year that the UK's status outside the single market is costing the UK economy billions of pounds every year. Flynn added: 'Farage is the cause of the cost of living crisis, not the solution. He should have apologised to the people of Scotland long ago for the damage inflicted by Brexit – and he should take the opportunity to apologise when he makes his daytrip to Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse tomorrow. 'Compare Farage's record of decimating living standards to the SNP's record of delivery: cutting living costs through free prescriptions, restored Winter Fuel Payments, and scrapping Peak Rail Fares. 'Only the SNP are supporting people through the cost of living crisis and only the SNP are standing up to Farage and his brand of politics.' Analysis by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) published in January found that Brexit had 'permanently diminished trade efficiency in the UK by introducing customs checks, rules of origin requirements, and regulatory divergence from the EU.' It said: 'These barriers increase costs for both exporters and importers.' Ahead of Farage's visit to Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, the SNP's candidate for the by-election in the constituency, Katy Loudon, said people in the area already know the damage the Reform leader has caused to the UK. (Image: PA) She said: 'Nigel Farage has done more than most to harm Scotland's economy and send costs soaring for Scottish households. 'People across this constituency know the damage he has caused because they feel it everyday in higher prices, but the once architect of Brexit is now portraying himself as the answer to the challenges facing people across Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse.
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Winter fuel payment: Options to reintroduce the benefit for millions of households
Winter fuel payment: Options to reintroduce the benefit for millions of households The decision to make the Winter Fuel Payment available only to those who claim pension credit last year meant those claiming the benefit fell by almost 90% and saved around £1.5 billion a year, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) estimates An update on Winter Fuel Payments is likely within the next few weeks (Image: undefined via Getty Images ) Plans on whether to restore Winter Fuel Payments for more pensioners could be unveiled as early as next month, Angela Rayner recently hinted. The Deputy Prime Minister said an update may be likely in the Spending Review, scheduled for June 11. In a highly controversial move the Labour UK Government previously limited the annual payment of up to £300 to only those receiving certain means-tested benefits, such as Pension Credit or Universal Credit. It was in an effort to address a £22 billion 'black hole' in the public purse. However, with the UK's economic prospects improving, Sir Keir Starmer expressed his desire to reinstate the payments to "more pensioners" at the next "fiscal event". Below we have outlined a number of possible outcomes that could be announced on June 11 to help you know what to expect. These include anything from a full reversal to expanding entitlement to recipients of certain benefits. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here . Full reversal One option on the table could be to completely overturn the move that removed the benefit from countless pensioners Taking back the decision to restrict it to only those who are eligible for pension credit the previous year resulted in a nearly 90% drop in those claiming Winter Fuel Payment and led to an annual saving of roughly £1.5 billion, according to the estimations by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS). Reinstating the policy change from last year would extend eligibility to an additional 11 million households and naturally erase the £1.5 billion in savings. Introduce a designated threshold for Winter Fuel Payments Introducing a bespoke threshold and means-testing system would offer an avenue for households that don't qualify for Pension Credit to request Winter Fuel Payments. Lifting the bar 20% higher than the Pension Credit limit would bring about an expenditure of nearly £100 million and make payments accessible to about 400,000 extra families, as per the data from the Resolution Foundation. An alternative approach could take inspiration from Child Benefit by letting all pensioner households apply, but then necessitating those with income above a specific tier to reimburse some amount through a self-assessment tax return, notes the IFS. However, Tom Waters, associate director at the IFS, has flagged concerns regarding the adoption of "a clunky bureaucratic mechanism for what is, ultimately, a relatively small payment". The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has estimated that restricting Winter Fuel Payment to only those on pension credit last year led to a nearly 90 per cent drop in claimants, saving about £1.5 billion annually. Reversing the policy change from last year would make an additional 11 million households eligible, effectively erasing the £1.5 billion saved. Introduce a specific income threshold for Winter Fuel Payments Implementing a new income threshold and means test could enable households not receiving Pension Credit to qualify for Winter Fuel Payments. An increase of 20 per cent above the Pension Credit limit could incur a cost of approximately £100 million, extending benefits to roughly 400,000 more families, as per the Resolution Foundation's analysis. One approach could mirror Child Benefit, allowing all pensioner households to claim, but then requiring higher-income recipients to repay some through a self-assessment tax return, as noted by the IFS. However, IFS associate director Tom Waters cautions against the potential pitfalls of "a clunky bureaucratic mechanism for what is, ultimately, a relatively small payment". Widen eligibility to include recipients of disability or housing benefits Expanding eligibility to include those receiving disability benefits could benefit around 1.8 million additional households, with an estimated annual cost of £500 million, according to the IFS. Expanding the Winter Fuel Payment to cover those receiving housing and disability benefits could benefit an additional 1.3 million pensioner households, with an annual cost of £300 million, according to the Resolution Foundation's calculations. Ruth Curtice, the chief executive, described this move as an "affordable" and "sensible way forward". Pay Winter Fuel Payments to individuals, not households Currently, the Winter Fuel Payment is issued per household rather than per individual, which presents a challenge in its distribution. A shift to individual allocation would enable the UK Government to perform means testing on a personal level, utilising existing income tax data. Article continues below This change would allow low-income pensioners with wealthier partners to receive the winter fuel payment. However, this adjustment might result in couples receiving double the amount compared to single individuals, whereas currently, a single person receives the same as a couple in one household.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
DWP Winter Fuel Payment won't be reinstated for one group despite U-turn
Last week, Sir Keir Starmer signalled a potential U-turn on the controversial policy to scrap the universal Winter Fuel Payment One group of pensioners will not have their Winter Fuel Payment reinstated this year if Labour pushes ahead with its U-turn a government minister has confirmed. In an interview this week, a government minister confirmed that the Winter Fuel Payment would not be given to "millionaire" pensioners and would onyl go to those who "that need it the most". Last week, Sir Keir Starmer signalled a potential U-turn on the controversial policy to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment. During PMQ's, the Prime Minister told the Commons that the government wanted to ensure that more pensioners would be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment going forward. Keir Starmer said the decision on this, however, was "as part of a fiscal event" so any changes would only come after a Spending Review. He told the Commons: "I recognise people are still feeling the pressure of the cost of living crisis including pensioners, and as the economy improves we want to make sure people feel those improvements as their lives go forward. That is why we want to ensure as we go forward more pensioners are eligible for winter fuel payments. As you would expect we will only make sure we make decisions we can afford." The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) payment is worth £300 and is paid to pensioner households between October and March. The aim of the money is to help with the extra costs of heating the home over the winter months. Speaking to Sky News on Thursday evening, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones was asked about Reform UK's commitments on fully reinstating the Winter Fuel Payment. He said: "All of those things cost money. It's right that we set out the detail and how we're going to pay for those in a proper and orderly way.' "We're sticking to the principle that millionaires shouldn't be getting subsidy for their energy bills from the government, so Winter Fuel Payments will still be targeted to those that need it the most.' It is believed that the Government is considering a rethink of the £11,500 cut-off for the allowance, which would allow more people to get the money. Last year, the Labour government means-tested the Winter Fuel Payment. This meant that only certain pensioners over the age of 66 would receive the money, rather than all pensioners. The move saw over nine million pensioners in the UK lose the extra cash last winter. Labour faced severe backlash at the time, which has continued to follow them. Legal challenges have been raised against the government for the move, with charities warning that it would push more older Brits into poverty. Research conducted by Unite Union found that over two-thirds of its retired members had to turn their heating down last winter, a third were taking fewer baths or showers, and 16% had to cut back on hot meals due to the increased costs of trying to stay warm. The axing of the benefit was also linked to the rise in Reform Councillors in the recent elections.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
DWP confirms £200 payments for state pensioners who lost Winter Fuel Allowance
The DWP has announced new funding for local authorities and councils across England - with households in Hull potentially eligible for up to £200 worth of payments Thousands of UK households are set for a financial lifeline amid the soaring cost of living crisis, as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) rolls out new funding to English local councils. Thanks to this government initiative extended by Labour, Hull's residents may see up to £200 transferred into their bank accounts. Pensioners within the area are eligible for a £200 boost, while low-income families could qualify for a £40 grant to help cover school uniforms, in addition to food vouchers during school holidays for those receiving free school meals. Acknowledging the struggle faced by many, Hull City Council's Leader, Councillor Mike Ross said: "We know that people are continuing to be severely impacted by the ongoing increases in the cost of living". As a Council, we're using this funding to help vulnerable residents afford the essentials." He further emphasised the dire choices some face in adverse weather conditions: "No-one should have to make the choice between heating or eating when we get to the colder months, so we've allocated this money now to make sure we have the right things in place for the next year." Whilst applications for the scheme in Hull remain pending, eager residents are advised to keep an eye on the council's website for impending announcements. This move comes as Sir Keir Starmer's Labour administration reconsiders reversing the contentious slash in Winter Fuel Payments, reports Birmingham Live. One disgruntled pensioner expressed their frustration, saying: "To U-turn any policy without some acknowledgment of it being a dreadful mistake will probably lead to even more anger and deeper distrust. "We are not only losing voters but party activists as well. Members are resigning because of their disagreement with government policies on a range of issues,". In a letter to the Guardian, they vented: "We need more than a U-turn. Instead, a complete reset is required, but I'm not holding my breath." They also doubted the leadership's ability to act, stating: "I doubt that the current leadership is capable of doing anything without being forced into it and, if they do, that will enable the cheerleaders for Reform to make cynical political capital of the situation we find ourselves in." Another person took a jab at the Labour leadership: "Starmer and Rachel Reeves will never be forgiven for this. Their reputation is now indelibly damaged, and quite rightly so. Ruthlessly targeting the poorest, most vulnerable members of society was indefensible."
Wales Online
6 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Pensioners to find out 'within weeks' if they will get Winter Fuel Payment
Pensioners to find out 'within weeks' if they will get Winter Fuel Payment Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner indicated that an update on Winter Fuel Payments could be announced next month after Sir Keir Starmer pledged to restore the benefit The update may come earlier than expected (Image: WalesOnline/ Rob Browne ) Plans to restore Winter Fuel Payments to more pensioners could be unveiled as early as next month, according to Angela Rayner. The Deputy Prime Minister hinted that the Spending Review, scheduled for June 11, may provide an update on the matter. The Labour Government had previously limited the annual payment of up to £300 to only those receiving certain means-tested benefits, such as Pension Credit or Universal Credit, in an effort to address a £22 billion 'black hole' in the public purse. However, with the UK's economic prospects improving, Sir Keir Starmer expressed his desire to reinstate the payments to "more pensioners," at the next "fiscal event". While many expected this to happen in the Autumn Budget, Ms Rayner suggested it could happen sooner. She stated on Sky News' Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips: "I think that we've got the upcoming Spending Review, and I'm sure that the Chancellor will set it out when we've got the opportunity, at the first opportunity, she will set out what we'll be able to do." When asked if the Spending Review would definitely include details on the Winter Fuel Payment, Ms Rayner replied: "I don't know, but I hope so. "I mean, the Prime Minister has announced it, so logically to me that indicates that the Prime Minister wants to do something in this area. And if the Prime Minister wants to do that, I'm sure the Chancellor is going to look at how we can achieve that.", reports the Daily Record. Article continues below For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here Ministers are mulling over the reinstatement of the payment for all but the wealthiest pensioners, as reported by the Sunday Times, yet there could be a hold-up in its distribution this winter due to outdated computer systems. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has called for the immediate return of the Winter Fuel Payment. During her appearance on BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg, she stated: "We need to restore it right now. "We would never have taken the winter fuel (payment) away. We kept it for 14 years - we brought in the Triple Lock - we look after pensioners." In contrast, earlier this year, the Scottish Government declared that every one of the 1.1 million pensioners residing in Scotland would get a minimum of £100 this winter. Article continues below First Minister John Swinney confirmed to the Daily Record last week that payments of either £100, £203 or £305 would be made by St Andrew's Day on November 30.
