Support fund extended after winter fuel payment cut

Published On Sep 2, 2024, 7:25 AM

The UK government has decided to extend the Household Support Fund to assist struggling households during the winter. This decision comes after criticism regarding the scrapping of winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners, expected to save the Treasury £1.4 billion this year. The new support fund is allocated £421 million and will operate until March next year, allowing councils to provide aid for essential expenses like food and energy bills. The government is facing pressure to reconsider the winter fuel payment cuts amidst looming budget challenges and public financial strain.