Martin Lewis didn’t hold back on Good Morning Britain as he took the government to task over what he called a “flawed system” that’s leaving hundreds of thousands of vulnerable pensioners out in the cold—literally.
The Money Saving Expert was clearly furious as he challenged Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden, about the government’s decision to link winter fuel payments to pension credit. Under new rules, only those receiving pension credit are eligible for the fuel payment, which means many elderly people who qualify on paper are still missing out, reported the Manchester Evening News.
“You came in, there were 800,000 people who were eligible for pension credit and not claiming, therefore earning less than the £11,800 threshold. They aren’t claiming pension credit so don’t get winter fuel payments,” Lewis pointed out. “There are now 700,000. Is that something you find acceptable?”
McFadden acknowledged the issue but didn’t seem to offer any hope of change. He argued that the government had made efforts before Christmas to raise awareness about pension credit and encourage applications—even if people were ultimately turned down.
But Lewis was clearly unimpressed. “Sorry I’m going to interrupt you because I’m flabbergasted that you’re saying that,” he fired back. “You’re quite right, I’ve been campaigning on getting people on pension credit for a decade but you linked winter fuel payment eligibility to pension credit which we know is a flawed system!”
He continued, visibly frustrated: “You’re just sitting here saying ‘We know it’s flawed means testing pension credit,’ so why the hell did you link winter fuel payment to a flawed means test? What you’re saying makes it worse.”
McFadden responded by saying, “No I don’t think it makes it worse. We chose that level because that was the level where people are entitled to extra help.” He added that the government tries “very hard” to get the message out and encourage pensioners to claim what they’re entitled to.
But for Lewis, and many watching, the logic didn’t hold. He also pointed out that the current pension credit income threshold—just £11,800—needs a serious rethink, arguing that it’s far too low and leaves out people who are struggling.
No changes to the winter fuel payment rules are planned, the Prime Minister confirmed last week. But after this on-air clash, it’s clear the pressure to rethink the system isn’t going away any time soon.
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