Winter fuel allowance could be scrapped for most pensioners to pay for triple lock

All but the poorest pensioners face having their winter fuel allowance withdrawn to help fund the state pension triple lock under plans being considered by Rishi Sunak.

Sky News first reported that the prime minister is considering scaling down the payments, designed to help retirees pay for heating costs in the winter, to claw back some taxpayer money.

Government sources did not deny the policy is being considered by the Prime Minister, who is grappling with how to pay for a considerable increase in the state pension.

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson said: “We have protected pensioners with the biggest State Pension increase in history this year as well as boosting Pension Credit – worth around £3,500 a year for those on the lowest incomes.

“On top of Winter Fuel Payments, pensioners will get another £300 this winter to help with essential costs, and we are bearing down on inflation to make everyone’s money go further.”

Mr Sunak has committed to maintaining the state pension triple lock next year which will mean retirees can expect a considerable increase in their income.

Officials are understood to be considering whether to reduce the number of people eligible for the winter fuel allowance, which is currently paid to everyone born before 1957, to help lower costs.

The PM has been reluctant to make further commitments to keeping the triple lock in place after the next election amid concerns over the unsustainable cost.

The triple lock ensures the pension increases in line with inflation, wage growth or 2.5 per cent – whichever is higher – each year.

The Labour Party has also refused to say whether they would include a promise to maintain the triple lock in their manifesto.

But the Liberal Democrats have urged both parties to maintain it.

Lib Dem work and pensions spokesperson Wendy Chamberlain criticised the plan to end winter fuel allowance payments amid high energy prices.

“Scrapping the winter fuel allowance would be a slap in the face for pensioners facing soaring energy bills this winter,” she said.

“Rishi Sunak must be living on another planet if his thinks this is the answer to the country’s problems. Pensioners have worked hard and paid their taxes all their lives, they shouldn’t be made to pay the price for the Conservative Party crashing the economy.

“Liberal Democrats would double the Winter Fuel Allowance to offer extra help to pensioners, paid for by a proper windfall tax on the oil and gas giants.”

This is a breaking story and is being updated.