In the government’s row sharpen the solution go winter food plan It was set to reignite after new evidence revealed more than 1 million older people are skipping meals due to financial issues.
A recent study also suggests millions have already died in the heat, with warnings of an impact on the NHS. Spike in applications pension creditwhich allows them to receive winter food payments, it also means that some of those who qualify will have to wait up to 12 weeks to receive it, which will be “overwhelmed” with Whitehall’s slander, etc. Notice it was reported.
when Storm Darragh ravages parts of Britain This weekend, more than 7 million students say they are turning in heating or reducing hours, which they are turning in to help make ends meet financially.
Research by the UK Age charity also estimates that the figure includes two-thirds of people with over 66 life-long health conditions.
More than 1 million people aged 66 or over are managing food, according to Age Information UK. Again, vulnerable groups are heavily affected, with 620,000 pensioners estimated to be missing meals for long-term conditions.
They found similar numbers to reduce the number of hot meals. Four in nine pensioners – about 5.5 million people – said they were worried they wouldn’t be able to adequately heat their homes this winter. More than 900,000 students with long-term conditions said they were worried about debt.
Chancellor Rachel Reves makes a huge announcement climb back winter fuel payments in July – a measure designed to save £1.4bn and help close the black hole in public spending this year.
In the new system, only those who have called up the pension credit will receive the grant.
Now, however, they have been warned that some of those who go in for payments may not receive them until the end of winter, because the number of government workers who claim, which run around 10,000 a week.
“There are long delays, now they are waiting for pension credit,” said Caroline Abrahams, director of Century UK. “The problem is the whole system is overwhelmed. I understand now it’s about 12 weeks. Someone can apply for pension credit today and be eligible, but if the work is out, they’re not going to hear even if they’re good until the end of winter.
“The real concern is that people with long-term health conditions are going to be badly hit because they are vulnerable. It is extremely bad news for the NHS. We could have avoided this. If this disaster shows anything to the state and to us, it is that the idea that all the elderly are doing fabulously well and are all affluent is not to be pitied.
Public figures show the government received around 150,000 pension credit claims in the 16 weeks since Reves announced in July – a 145% increase in claims over the previous 16 weeks.
Officials believed pensioners would benefit significantly from an increase in public pensions up to 1,900 this parliament, while 1 million will receive winter payments and more pension credits are signed.
The spokesman said additional staff had been trained to deal with a spike in claims, with a 51% increase in cleared claims since the decision to limit payment was made. They also said many others would benefit from the £150 home heating and cooling payments.
The UK Age, meanwhile, has received evidence of concerns raised by students this winter, with nearly 30,000 people testifying.
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“Bungulaw, which is uninsulated and damaged by double lining, we can’t,” he said. “We are beyond measure in all support.”
Another said: “I have an ischemic heart and a heating disease, but I am too worried about heating costs. I kept warm by wrapping myself in blankets or going to bed.”
both Liberal Democrats and the Tories have decided to attack their winter food government.
“The Government must swallow their pride and reverse these reckless cuts which will leave millions of people vulnerable who need to warm and eat this winter,” said Steve Darling, Lib Dem work and pensions spokesman. “We have reached the Rubicon.”
A government spokesman said: “We are committed to supporting students as they plan to increase their state pension by up to £1,900 this parliament through our office. three locks.
“With millions of pensioners still receiving winter pay and our drivers to increase pension credit, applications have more than doubled, with more than 40,000 pensioners now receiving pension credit, as fuel for winter jobs.
“We have deployed additional staff to support the application process, with a 51% increase in the number of requests” cleared by the chancellor’s announcement.
“Many others will also benefit from the £150 home heating discount and cold weather payments this winter, while the extension of our household fund will help with the cost of food, heating and bills.”