Campaigners and financial experts have criticized the Chancellor's plan to limit Winter Fuel Payment eligibility. Following the severe changes, 10 million individuals will no longer be eligible 10 million individuals will no longer be eligible for heating assistance, which has been reduced to five DWP benefits.

Rachel Reeves said in a speech about Labour's financial cuts that the State Pension has been removed from the qualifying list, but the old-age top-up benefit Pension Credit will remain eligible. This winter, there will be no additional cost-of-living payments, with amounts returning to regular levels.

According to Alice Haine, a Personal Finance Analyst at Bestinvest by Evelyn Partners, "Chancellor Rachel Reeves' surprising decision.

"Energy bills have eased dramatically this year, with the Energy Price Cap (EPC) currently set at £1,568 until the end of September – almost £1,000 below the Energy Price Guarantee introduced by the former Government, set at £2,500, which ran from Autumn 2022 until the end of June 2023 to help consumers cope with sky-high bills. The EPC is expected to rise 10% on October 1 and remain high throughout the winter, which means energy bills will still be almost double pre-crisis levels making them unaffordable for many.

"Unlike workers, who can work more hours to make up the difference, retirees often have fixed incomes and must budget based on the amount they receive from their State Pension and private pension. Only providing the payment to those on benefits may put many others whose income is barely above that level at danger during the colder months since they cannot afford to turn on the heat."

Gillian Cooper, Citizens Advice's director of energy policy, stated that "millions of low-income households face living in a cold home this winter, with many forced to make the impossible choice between heating or eating." The present Winter Fuel Payment is not adequately targeted and is too little to make a substantial difference for retirees.