Release winter deaths stats now

Unite ramped up its campaign to restore the Winter Fuel Allowance for all pensioners this week with a banner drop on Wednesday (January 29).

The campaign called on the Labour government to release the latest figures for excess winter deaths.

Last August, the Labour government announced it would be axing the previously universal Winter Fuel Allowance entitlement, worth £300, for all but the poorest pensioners, which includes only those who are in receipt of pension credit or another means-tested benefit.

Unite has argued that this will exclude millions of people who earn just above the pension credit threshold but still struggle to afford their energy bills. It would condemn them to a dangerous winter, with elderly people cutting back on their heating just when they need it most.

Even for those eligible for pension credit, many will have missed out on the vital Winter Fuel Allowance – an estimated 850,000 people are failing to claim pension credit even though they’re entitled to it.

Now, Unite’s worst fears are coming to pass. A survey undertaken by Unite published this week showed that over two-thirds of its retired members have had to turn their heating down this year. A third of those surveyed also reported taking fewer baths or showers, and 16 per cent have cut back on hot meals due to the increased costs of trying to stay warm.

A strong majority – 63 per cent – said they felt cold more often this winter, and nearly a fifth reported that the cut to Winter Fuel Allowance has resulted in illness or has exacerbated symptoms of an illness.

Commenting, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “Our survey shows that pensioners are suffering real-life effects of this needless cut to winter fuel allowance. They are shivering at home, having to go without bathing or without meals. Retirees should be able to live with dignity after a lifetime of work.

“Instead of picking the pocket of pensioners, the government should be looking at a wealth tax that targets the very richest in society.”

Unite activists and retired members were joined by NHS staff from local hospitals at the union’s banner drop demo. NHS staff are seeing first-hand the impact of the cut to Winter Fuel Allowance.

Mark Boothroyd, Unite shop steward and emergency department nurse at St Thomas’ Hospital, noted,  “NHS services have been overwhelmed this winter – it feels almost as bad as it was during Covid. We are seeing lots of elderly patients with flu and other seasonal illnesses. The NHS has suffered from a decade and a half of austerity and it desperately needs more investment.

“It seems likely that things have now unfortunately been made worse by the loss of winter fuel payments.”

Stay tuned on UniteLive for the latest on Unite’s Winter Fuel Allowance campaign.

By Hajera Blagg

Pics by Guy Smallman