Since 1997, all British pensioners have been able to claim a tax-free payment to help with their heating costs. The winter fuel payment, introduced by the last Labour government, previously doled out as much as £300 a year to all retirees.

Changes to the eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments indicate that around 1.5 million individuals over State Pension age will receive a payment of £100, £200 or £300 this year to assist with increased heating costs during the winter months.

The governments plan to restrict pensioners winter fuel payment to households getting pension credit has been easily if grudgingly passed by parliament. This was despite a strong case for delaying the move to