Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 12
12
Not Addressed
Winter Fuel Payment changes created significant uncertainty and anxiety among older pensioners
Conclusion
Our predecessor Committee is amongst those that have criticised Winter Fuel Payments for being poorly targeted and a ‘blunt instrument’ for tackling fuel poverty. As a universal payment, WFP went to pensioners who did not need it, and its real terms value has dwindled over two decades since it was introduced. However, we heard very clearly that pensioners valued it, had come to rely on it and that it gave them “confidence to turn the heating on.” The change in eligibility was announced in July, giving limited time for older people and organisations working with them to prepare for the coming winter, and followed years of high energy prices. Whatever the merits of the change, it created uncertainty and anxiety for pensioners about how they would manage. (Conclusion, Paragraph 87)
Government Response Summary
The government notes the committee's comments but responds by outlining its statutory duties regarding equality, steps to strengthen analysis, and its ongoing work on safeguarding from a separate report, without addressing the specific observations about Winter Fuel Payments.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The Department has a statutory requirement to consider the Public Sector Equality Duty during the decision-making process, including analysing the impact of potential policies which includes older people. We note the Committee’s comments and can confirm that the Department’s Chief Analyst and Chief Scientific Adviser is already taking steps to further strengthen such analysis. The recommendations from the WPSC Safeguarding Vulnerable Claimants report have been taken seriously by the department. The Government’s consultation on Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper (www.gov.uk/government/consultations/pathways-to-work-reforming-benefits-and-support-to-get-britain-working-green-paper) included a question on a new DWP safeguarding approach. Following the consideration of the consultation findings and on conclusion of the Department’s current safeguarding review, the Government will set out its plans. DWP’s new approach to safeguarding will include a clear statement of intent to drive cultural change across all levels of the Department, renew the commitment to safeguarding, promote systems-based approaches, and define DWP’s role in supporting those with safeguarding needs. The Government also recognises the value of assessments of policy changes to be undertaken jointly, with the Chief Medical Advisor working alongside policy officials, to determine the relevance and appropriateness of input, in order to support the effective and efficient functioning of Government.