Paul Howell MP is thrilled to welcome 11.9 million Winter Fuel Payments and Pensioner Cost of Living Payments.
Over £4.8 billion has been made to pensioners across the UK over the past month.
- Around 11.9 million Winter Fuel Payments and Pensioner Cost of Living Payments have been made to pensioners across the UK over the past month.
- This means more than 99% of eligible pensioners have now received up to £600 per household to help with their energy bill this Christmas for the second year running.
- The support – worth over £4.8bn – comes on top of the biggest State Pension increase on record, and a commitment to a further increase next April.
Each pensioner household has received up to £600 in tax-free cash automatically to help with energy bills and household budgets this winter.
It follows this year’s 10.1% State Pension increase – the largest in the history of the State Pension – with next year’s 8.5% increase set to break records again as the full rate of the New State Pension rises to over £11,500 a year. This means it will rise to £221.20 a week.
It also comes as the government has delivered on its commitment to halve inflation which is the best way to put more money in the pockets of hard-working people.
Our economy has turned a corner, with inflation halved and debt on track to fall, we are able to move away from the big government, high spending, high borrowing, and high tax approach that was necessary before, and focusing on the long-term decisions required to strengthen our economy and give people the opportunity to build a wealthier, more secure life for themselves and their family.
Paul Howell MP said:
"I am thrilled pensioners are to receive £4.8 billion in government support to heat their homes over these cold Winter periods.
Today shows we have honoured our commitment to protect pensioners throughout the cold winter months by paying out £4.8 billion of direct support in a matter of days.
While 11.9 million payments have already been issued, those who have not yet received theirs should not worry, as payments are continuing into January.
We want every pensioner to receive all the help they can. I’m glad to be able to confirm that 99% of those eligible for this generous support have already received it."
