Wes Streeting says pensioners should ‘layer up’ and put the heating on as millions struggle without winter fuel payment

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. open image in gallery Health secretary Wes Streeting has told pensioners to ‘layer up and put the heating on’ Mr Streeting told BBC Breakfast: "We are heading into a cold snap this weekend and I know there are lots of concerns, not just amongst charity leaders, but also among NHS and social care leaders as well, about the particular risks and vulnerabilities this weekend as temperatures drop, both in terms of risk of accident and injury, but also risk from the cold itself. open image in gallery People walk through snow in Balerno, Edinburgh Liberal Democrat Work and Pensions spokesperson Steve Darling MP urged the government to reverse its “ill-conceived” decision to scrap winter fuel payments for millions. “Instead of asking pensioners to layer up, the government should instead pay up and reinstate Winter Fuel Payments.” Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: “Wearing more layers and staying in bed for longer might have worked for older people when the weather was mild, but now it has got really cold and there’s snow and frost around it won’t be enough to keep them adequately warm. And of course, do feel free to call the Age UK advice line, or check out our website, to make sure you are receiving all the financial help which is lawfully yours - since we know that many are missing out on the money they are due.” “Unfortunately, it has become increasingly clear that the Government’s decision to make the Winter Fuel Payment available only to pensioners who receive Pension Credit has left millions of the poorest and most vulnerable older people unprotected this winter.