- Conference
- 2024 National Retired Members Conference
- Date
- 6 September 2024
- Decision
- Carried
Whilst UNISON is generally supportive of the Labour Government, this Conference notes its shock decision that only those in receipt of Pension Credit and other means-tested benefits will qualify for the Winter Fuel Allowance.
It is estimated that 10 million pensioners in England alone will lose their right to this annual payment from this autumn and beyond worth between £100 and £300 under the surprise plans, at too short a notice, announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Age UK has estimated that more than 2 million people who are only just above the eligibility threshold for Pension Credit will no longer qualify. Indeed, almost half of those who do qualify for pension credit but do not claim it, due in part to lack of awareness or the complexity of making a claim.
The Winter Fuel Allowance is designed to help cover winter heating costs. Many pensioners rely on this payment and are amongst those most likely to be affected by the cost of fuel and rises in energy costs. Many pensioners live alone in poorly insulated homes where there is an increased need for need heating to overcome the cold. It will undoubtedly lead to a rise in cold related illnesses, such as flu and bronchitis, and inevitably more winter deaths.
There is a failure to understand that many pensioners already live in poverty, especially those who were low paid and do not benefit from occupational pensions. Many, including WASPI women who are still awaiting compensation, will be pushed over the edge.
This Conference therefore calls on the National Retired Members Committee to:
A)Seek to raise awareness of the issues amongst retired members and encourage them to lobby their MPs on the need for immediate reinstatement of the Winter Fuel Allowance for all those in receipt of the state pension:
B. Encourage retired members to participate in and support branch, regional, and national UNISON initiatives and campaigns by pensioner organisations to reinstate this essential benefit:
C. Seek to work with the National Executive Council (NEC) and Labour Link to call for its immediate reinstatement including payment of any arrears in the strongest possible terms.