State pensioners wake up to £749 less in bank account from today

On top of this state pensioners have lost a £300 Winter Fuel Payment and £300 Cost of Living payment this week.

State pensioners are in a "worse situation" after the energy price cap increase - with £149 added to bills up and down the country. On top of this state pensioners have lost a £300 Winter Fuel Payment and £300 Cost of Living payment this week.

Millions of pensioners are preparing to lose their Winter Fuel Payments this year, which are worth £300 a pop. Older people will now need to claim Pension Credit to access the Winter Fuel Payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Citizens Advice is campaigning for “targeted bill support” while the End Fuel Poverty Coalition is lobbying for the expansion of other support funds. Andy Manning, head of energy policy at Citizens Advice, said: “This price rise means bills are now around two-thirds higher than before the energy crisis.

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“With record levels of energy debt, the removal of previous support and changes to the eligibility of the winter fuel payment, people are in desperate need. The Government must urgently introduce targeted bill support that reflects the realities of people’s energy needs.”

Simon Francis, co-ordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, explained: “For older people who previously received the Winter Fuel Payment, but will no longer do so under the Chancellor’s new rules, the situation is even worse. For many pensioners, this winter will feel like the most expensive on record. What’s worse, there are more price increases on the horizon.

“We welcome the Government’s long-term plans to boost home energy efficiency to bring down bills and to improve energy security to stabilise prices, but these reforms will take time to take effect and will be cold comfort to those struggling this winter. That’s why it is so vital the ministers bring in more support for vulnerable households this winter, reductions in standing charges and a social tariff.

“The energy industry has made more than £457billion in profit since the start of the crisis, so there is plenty of money in the system to be able to ensure everyone stays warm this winter and next.”