MARTIN Lewis has clashed with government minister Lisa Nandy over the decision to scrap the £300 Winter Fuel Payments for millions of pensioners.
The fiery exchange on Good Morning Britain today saw the Money Saving Expert founder slam the move as “indefensible” and call out the government for failing to reach the poorest pensioners.
Speaking directly to the Culture Secretary, Lewis didn’t hold back.
The money-saving guru said: “Why are you defending this?
“You’ve been a campaigner for the poorest in society for so long, yet you’re sitting there defending a policy that charities like Age UK are pulling their hair out about.”
The row comes after AgeUK urged the government to scrap the policy, warning that the poorest pensioners, some earning under £11,000 a year, will be left without support.
Lewis was especially concerned that many of the elderly eligible for pension credit wouldn’t apply for it – and therefore miss out on the vital £300 Winter Fuel Payment.
The argument heated up as Lewis continued to press Nandy on the government’s failure to reach those most in need, describing the policy as a “huge flaw.”
He said: “You believe they should get pension credit and the Winter Fuel Payment, but you’re not doing enough to make sure they do.
” You’re not writing individual letters to the hardest-to-reach pensioners.
“‘There’s lots you could do. So to try and talk about it, ‘we’re targeting the poorest’… The truth is you’re not targeting them. Why aren’t you writing them bloody letters?’
“You have to accept that there are hundreds of thousands of pensioners earning under £11,400 who will not get this payment this year.”
In response, Nandy defended the government’s efforts, pointing to the rise in pension credit claims, claiming that a “huge drive” had resulted in a 115 per cent increase in applications.
But Lewis wasn’t convinced, he added: “It will take four years for everyone to be signed up. And what’s the solution now? Why aren’t you writing them bloody letters?”.
Despite the tension, Nandy stuck to her guns, stressing that the government was writing letters to eligible pensioners, but acknowledged the frustration from campaigners like Lewis.
WORRIED about energy bills? The Sun’s Winter Fuel SOS crew are taking calls on Wednesday.
We want to help thousands of pensioners worried about energy bills this winter, with tips and advice on how to make cash go further.
Our Winter Fuel SOS crew will be able to help answer your questions on whether you can get Pension Credit and the Winter Fuel Payment.
Ten million OAPs are set to lose the £300 Winter Fuel Payment due to government cutbacks.
It comes in the same month that millions of households are hit by a ten per cent rise in bills as the Energy Price Cap shoots up.
We can help with advice on how else to save money.
Our phone line is open 7am to 7pm Wednesday October 9 – you can call us on 0800 028 1978.
Or you can email now: WinterfuelSOS@the-sun.co.uk
Nandy said: “We are working with a wide range of people to reach those who need help.
“I just want to make it clear, we are not leaving anyone high and dry.”
With changes announced in July, the government confirmed that from this winter, only pensioners who claim pension credit or certain other means-tested benefits will be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment.
Previously it went to around 11million of state pension age regardless of income.
But around 880,000 eligible pensioners on the lowest incomes may miss out on the energy help because they haven’t claimed pension credit.
Lewis pressed further, saying: “You’re taking money out of their hands.
“Are you willing to accept the collateral damage of pensioners, many with dementia, not getting the Winter Fuel Payment?”
Nandy responded, insisting the cut-off point for pension credit applications had been extended to April 2025.
This means pensioners who are eligible, but have yet to apply, can still receive backdated payments.
Typically claims for pension credit can be backdated up to three months.
As the qualifying week for the payment is September 16 to 22, It means the last date for claiming the benefit is December 21.
We’ve asked the government which date applies and will update when we hear back.
The message is clear: if you’re eligible for pension credit, it’s crucial to act fast.
Applications are still being accepted, but pensioners must apply by December 21 to receive this year’s Winter Fuel Payment.
Lewis, however, remains sceptical that many of the most vulnerable will get the help they need.
With Christmas just around the corner, time is running out, and the pressure is on for the government to ensure no one is left out in the cold.
YOU can start your application up to four months before you reach state pension age.
Applications for pension credit can be made on the government website or by ringing the pension credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.
You can get a friend or family member to ring for you, but you’ll need to be with them when they do.
You’ll need the following information about you and your partner if you have one:
You can also check your eligibility online by visiting www.gov.uk/pension-credit first.
If you claim after you reach pension age, you can backdate your claim for up to three months.
