Thank you for contacting me about Government support for pensioners.
I believe that everyone should have security and dignity in their retirement, and I am confident that the Government has consistently acted to protect UK pensioners. As a number of issues have been raised with me, I address them separately below.
Uprating of benefits and the State Pension for 2023/24
I strongly welcome that both the State Pension and benefits were increased by 10.1 per cent for 2023/24, in line with inflation. This means the biggest increase in the State Pension ever and an average uplift of around £600 for households receiving Universal Credit.
The Cost of Living Including Energy
All households, including pensioner households, will benefit from the Government’s Energy Price Guarantee (EPG). This guarantee limits the amount you can be charged per unit of gas or electricity. The current price guarantee, set at £3,000, will support households between now and April 2024. Although energy prices are currently below the level at which EPG payments would be made, it will remain in force until the end of March 2024 to protect households from price spikes, putting in place a safety net for households up and down the country.
Furthermore, over 2023-24, the Government has provided targeted support to the most vulnerable through Cost of Living Payments, which have been paid to 8 million households on eligible means-tested-benefits, 8 million pensioner households and 6 million people on eligible disability benefits. Additionally, as set out at Spring Budget, the Government is providing an additional £500 million of funding to enable the extension of the Household Support Fund in England to September 2024, bringing the total funding to £3 billion since October 2021.
Social Tariffs
As set out at the Autumn Statement 2022, the Government is working with consumer groups and industry to consider the best approach to consumer protection in energy markets, as part of wider retail market reforms. I understand that a variety of options, including social tariffs, are under consideration. In line with the Energy Security Strategy, the Government will continue to ensure that energy is affordable for all consumers.
Pensioners Living Alone
I am confident that the Government is providing substantial support for pensioners through the welfare system. The Government provides free bus passes and prescriptions; Winter Fuel Payments; and Cold Weather Payments for those in receipt of Pension Credit. The Government also provided targeted support through two £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payments, which were paid to all households in receipt of the Winter Fuel Payment.
I hope that this response reassures you that pensioners in the UK are being adequately supported and that the most vulnerable will continue to be protected during the difficult months ahead.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Craig Whittaker MP
March 2024