Public back winter fuel extension

Sunil Peck

Almost 90 per cent of people favour an extension of the winter fuel allowance to severely disabled people under the age of 60, a survey has found.
 
The survey was carried out by the disability charity Papworth Trust and contained responses from nearly 1000 disabled and non-disabled people.
 
The charity claims that in the short term, the Treasury could save money if it extended winter fuel payments to disabled people in receipt of the high rate of mobility or care components of Disability Living Allowance while raising the automatic eligibility for winter fuel payments to age 65 from 60.
 
Rob Nixon (pictured), a wheelchair user, has multiple sclerosis and spends about 20 per cent of his income on heating bills.
 
He told Disability Now that the winter fuel allowance, worth £250, would make a "world of difference" to him.
 
"The cold really gets into my bones. When I'm cold my joints seize up and I ache. Instead of setting the temperature at 21 degrees, I set it at 19 and wear more clothes and watch the TV with a blanket on."
 
He added that the winter fuel allowance would not represent an instant solution for him, but it would make him less fearful about setting the heating at a higher temperature.
 
Commenting on the findings of the survey, Julian Huppert, Liberal Democrat MP for Cambridge, who has tabled an Early Day Motion on extending winter fuel payments, said: "This survey shows that regardless of their situation, the public support the campaign to extend winter fuel payments to severely disabled people. It is vital that the Government reforms the present system."
 
Papworth Trust Chief Executive Adrian Bagg, who has urged the coalition government to announce a reform of the system as part of October's spending review, said: "Winter Fuel Payments were intended to alleviate financial hardship for people whose health could be more at risk if they did not turn on their heating. Our survey shows that disabled people are three times more likely to have concerns as winter approaches."
 
The survey also revealed concerns among disabled people that the government might stop winter fuel payments altogether; that they might have to choose between spending money on heating or eating and that the cost of fuel will continue to rise.
 
*papworth.org.uk