The number of people receiving Winter Fuel Payments in Lewisham plummeted, according to new figures published by the Department for Work and Pensions. The benefit saw a 19 percent decrease in the neighbourhood in comparison to a decade ago, with almost 28 thousand local residents who got one last year.
The aid, introduced in 1997, is meant to help people pay their heating bills through a tax-free sum of between £100 and £300 each year. It is automatically granted to those who get the State Pension, but needs claiming in case of other social security benefits.
The rate, that signals a sharp decline of recipients, comes at a time of more widespread financial hardship. Balooning monthly bill prices even led Ofgem, the government regulator for gas and electricity markets, to rise the existing energy price cap to £2,000.
Recent estimates from the fuel poverty charity National Energy Action, that helps vulnerable residents gain affordable heat, have underscored that up to 1.5 million additional families will be “[plunged] into fuel poverty, leaving almost 5.5 million households struggling to keep their homes warm and safe” if no further support is put in place.
“It’s quite worrying”, said Catherine, a Lewisham resident in her 70s who is entitled to receive the Winter Fuel Payment as she is retired. “Now that they [the Government] have removed [the Universal Credit’s] £20 boost, it must be difficult for some people”.
“I’m on benefits, but they’re never enough”, said a single mom in her 30s who preferred to remain anonymous. “I’m afraid I’ll have to choose what is best for my son and keep him warm while saving on something else”.
“I don’t believe in it”, said contrarily Ayuba, a middle-aged man who works in the area and does not get any social security aid at the moment. “I’ve never gotten any help […], it’s not my philosophy. I’ve always found the way: if I do need to get an extra job, I’ll do it.”
The Lewisham Poverty Commission aims at tackling local poverty recommending ways to alleviate poverty, reducing its effects and helping communities. “It is a huge issue”, commented Dr Simon Griffiths, who is one of the Commission’s members. “The best offers are often only available to those with the skills, wealth and time to shop around and navigate the myriad of offers available from energy companies, further hitting those most in need.”