Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
2nd Report - Pensioner Poverty: challenges and mitigations
Work and Pensions Committee
HC 465
Published 24 July 2025
Recommendations
8
Not Addressed
Commit to a cross-government strategy for an ageing society with clear accountability mechanisms
Recommendation
The Government should commit to a cross-government strategy for an ageing society, with equity of health and well-being for older people at its centre. This strategy should set out how cross-sector working is to be achieved, with effective mechanisms for …
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Government Response Summary
The government describes various existing initiatives to support older people, such as increases to the National Living Wage, the Triple Lock, and housing programs, but does not commit to developing a cross-government strategy for an ageing society as recommended.
Department for Work and Pensions
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Conclusions (8)
6
Conclusion
Not Addressed
The Government says it is taking a cross-department approach to address the challenges faced by older people. We were interested in arguments that it would help to have a strategy where the Government set out its objectives for older people and the mechanisms to ensure that those priorities are reflected …
Government Response Summary
The government outlines existing and planned initiatives to support older people and address poverty, but does not address the committee's specific observation about the helpfulness of a dedicated strategy for older people or the criticism regarding Winter Fuel Payments.
7
Conclusion
Not Addressed
In addition, a preventative approach requires a cross-sector approach, with stakeholders across a range of policy areas pulling together in the same direction. We were impressed by the work in areas like Greater Manchester where local authorities are collaborating with third sector and community organisations to provide integrated support for …
Government Response Summary
The government outlines existing and planned initiatives to support older people and address poverty, but does not address the identified lack of a framework for local government accountability or a central government strategy for an ageing society, which the conclusion highlights as barriers.
11
Conclusion
Not Addressed
For winter 2024/25, the Government linked eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment to receipt of Pension Credit. This removed the payment from many who needed it and set the bar for continued payment too low. Up to 760,000 pensioner households do not claim Pension Credit that they are entitled to, …
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 Payment eligibility.
12
Conclusion
Not Addressed
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 …
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.
13
Conclusion
Not Addressed
The Government conducted a very limited high-level equality analysis of WFP reform, estimating the impact on the number of pensioners in poverty. We heard repeatedly about the possible impacts on their health, as well. While this may be difficult to quantify, a fuller impact assessment, 83 considering the cumulative impact …
Government Response Summary
The government notes the committee's comments about limited WFP equality analysis and states its Chief Analyst is strengthening general analysis, but primarily discusses safeguarding policies and reviews from a separate context, not directly addressing the call for a fuller WFP impact assessment.
24
Conclusion
Not Addressed
Effective take-up work requires, firstly, face to face support and encouragement from trusted individuals and organisations on the ground. The complexity of the benefits system means that expert welfare rights advice is often also needed. In some areas, local authorities, third sector and community organisations work together effectively to do …
Government Response Summary
The government response describes its existing internal resource plans for timely claim processing and ongoing strategies for place-based promotion and supportive communications. However, it does not directly address the committee's observations regarding varying local authority coordination or the need for external expert welfare rights advice.
29
Conclusion
Not Addressed
DWP should report back by the end of 2025 on progress in addressing the barriers to data sharing identified by the Minister, particularly in relation to enabling DWP to give local authorities more visibility of Pension Credit and Universal Credit data; and on sharing of HMRC data. (Recommendation, Paragraph 142) …
Government Response Summary
The government's response details existing extensive data sharing arrangements with local authorities and discusses the benefits of simplifying data sharing legislation, but does not commit to reporting back on progress in addressing specific barriers or increasing visibility of Pension Credit and Universal Credit data by end of 2025.
43
Conclusion
We recognise that many 1950s women are deeply disappointed by the Government’s refusal to pay compensation following the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman’s finding of maladministration. The decision has been legally challenged and we await the outcome of that process. (Conclusion, Paragraph 201) 89