The loss of winter fuel payments is bad news, but it need not spell disaster

Millions of pensioners will lose winter fuel payments, following Labour’s decision to means test it. The Church now has a unique opportunity to alleviate the challenges facing older people in our communities, says Pilgrims’ Friend Society CEO Stephen Hammersley

Do you know an older person who has just lost their winter fuel payment and/or is worried about heating this winter?

It’s likely that you will. 

But I wonder if within your family, your church or your wider neighbourhood, you will know the people for whom this is a real blow? Those who now won’t dare to put the heating on even while they shiver because they are terrified of the cost, even if they can afford it? Those who are likely to get ill or fall and end up in hospital because their body is older and frailer and less able to work well when it’s cold?