The Department for Work and Pensions has been urged to make Pension Credit automatic for millions of state pensioners. Deven Ghelani, the founder of Policy in Practice and one of the architects of the Universal Credit system, has urged the DWP to act.
Speaking previously about the poor take-up of the DWP benefit, which is worth £4,200 a year, Deven said: “However, there really is no excuse for the shockingly low levels of Pension Credit taken up as many older people continue to struggle with the cost of living. The Secretary of State should prioritise simplicity in the benefit system and promote proactive support for people.
“The DWP could start by sharing data with local authorities and widening legislation to allow for automated take-up campaigns for benefits such as Pension Credit.
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“If Universal Credit data were shared more widely, we could boost incomes while lowering administration costs.”
Greg Fell, president of the Association of Directors of Public Health, said: “Fuel poverty can lead to cold, damp living conditions, which in turn can cause an increase in illnesses, including respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease and mental health problems.
“There are a number of ways the government can act to limit fuel poverty and its effects, and all these mitigations, including the winter fuel allowance, should be maximised for those most in need of support.”
A government spokesperson said: “This government is committed to pensioners: protecting the triple lock, keeping energy bills low through our warm homes plan and cutting NHS waiting lists.
“Given the dire state of the public finances we have inherited, this government must take difficult decisions to fix the foundations of the economy.
“In these circumstances, it is right that winter fuel payments are targeted at those in most need, and we will work with local authorities to boost uptake of pension credit, reaching the many pensioners who could still benefit from this year’s winter fuel payments.”