Beth Carsey

[Martin Lewis @MartinSLewis]

News. The Chancellor's just announced Winter Fuel Payments will no longer be universal to all pensioners, now only pensioners on benefits will get it - in my view that's too narrow a group. Here's my formal statement to @RachelReevesMP ...
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The targeting of Winter Fuel Payments is too narrow with the winter we have coming. Pensioners were already due to get less as this will be the first time since winter 2022 they haven’t got the up to £300 extra winter fuel cost of living top-up.

The Energy Price Cap is likely to rise 10% this October and stay high across the winter, leaving most energy bills nearly double those pre-crisis, at levels unaffordable for millions.

Many pensioners eke out the £100 to £300 Winter Fuel Payments to allow them to keep some heating on through the cold months. While there's an argument for ending its universality due to tight national finances, it's being squeezed to too narrow a group – just those on benefits and Pension Credit.

Yet again, those just above the thresholds will be hardest hit. This is often justified as there's a 'lack of household income data' to allow other targeting. However, there's a usable precedent from the emergency energy crisis measures announced in April 2022, which I'd urge the Government to look at.

Then, a payment was made to homes in council tax bands A to D – as an imperfect but workable proxy for lower household incomes. That'd allow an additional group of lower to middle-income pensioners to keep the payments and mitigate bill shocks. Councils' discretionary funds could also be funded as in April 2022, for the limited numbers who still need help but don't qualify.

Plus, with this announcement, the Government has a huge moral imperative to ensure the 800,000 people eligible for Pension Credit who don't get it, are informed, educated and helped through the process. It is planning an awareness-raising campaign, but it needs to ensure that reaches every corner – and if possible proactively and personally contact people.

Pension Credit is a crucial gateway benefit, giving access to a host of other entitlements, and now with the link to the Winter Fuel Payment, it makes it even more important to ensure fewer miss out."

[Beth Carsey @BethCarsey]

@davidthomas4085 @MidCheshireNHS I’m so sorry for your loss David, thinking of you and your family. X

[Beth Carsey @BethCarsey]

@Ru_Rupe1 @YSTeachingNHS @gingerlucyt Well this is true, we should count ourselves lucky really! And if I need to park off site somewhere at least I’ll get some extra steps in.. every cloud ☁️

[Beth Carsey @BethCarsey]

@ScarboroCouncil what are you supposed to do if you are self isolating due to +ve covid results but are and will be parked in a disc zone for the week 🤔

[Beth Carsey @BethCarsey]

@DAZM6988 😂😂😂 that’s what I like to hear!

[Beth Carsey @BethCarsey]

@DrJoMannion @vphemming @YSTeachingNHS @MidYorkshireNHS Good luck @vphemming it’s been lovely working with you, all the best in your new role!

[Beth Carsey @BethCarsey]

@NJG7571 Thank you Nic, I thoroughly enjoyed helping out. Had absolutely amazing feedback from everyone I spoke to for the seamless service delivered, no doubt all thanks to your planning! It was great ☺️

[Beth Carsey @BethCarsey]

@nic_english Thank you Nic and thank you for the shoutout for help this weekend, thoroughly enjoyed covering this morning it was a pleasure ☺️

[Beth Carsey @BethCarsey]

@nicky_kidd_ Congratulations!! Absolutely amazing 🎊🎉

[Beth Carsey @BethCarsey]

@nicky_kidd_ Thank you Nicky it was lovely! Just what I needed. Nice refresh ready to finish the second half of the week ☺️

[Beth Carsey @BethCarsey]

@nicky_kidd_ I think you passed them to me!! Super emotional tonight ☹️💙💚

[Beth Carsey @BethCarsey]

@yorknhswill @YorkTeachingNHS @YorkTHCharity Thank you Will. Pleased to be able to do my bit to raise some money back for the charity 😊