Pensioners across the UK are scrambling to purchase heat-saving equipment as the government prepares to cut winter fuel payments for millions. DIY stores have reported a surge in sales as households look for ways to reduce energy bills ahead of the colder months.
New data from B&Q shows a near 20% rise in sales of loft insulation over the past four weeks compared with the same time last year. Wickes has also seen an increase in demand for quick-fix solutions such as insulation and energy-efficient lighting, as households race to retrofit their homes before the cuts take effect.
The rise in sales comes amid concerns about rising energy costs. From 1 October, the typical household energy bill will increase by £149, bringing the total annual bill to £1,717 due to a hike in the price cap. At the same time, the government will scrap winter fuel payments, worth up to £300, for 10 million pensioners starting in November.
Analysts say that pensioners, fearing the impact of these changes, are looking for alternative ways to keep their homes warm. Richard Lim of Retail Economics noted: “It makes logical sense for people who were expecting this winter fuel allowance to try to seek alternatives to reduce their energy bills.”
Labour has stated that if it were in power, it would restrict the winter fuel payment to pensioners receiving pension credit, which applies to those earning up to £218 a week. This move is expected to save the government £1.4 billion annually but has sparked fears that millions of elderly people may struggle to afford their heating.
Age UK estimates that around 2 million pensioners could find it difficult to heat their homes this winter due to the loss of the winter fuel payment. Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said, “We’re hearing very worrying comments about how older people are frightened for the months ahead and plan to ration their heating this winter because they’ve lost their winter fuel payment.”
In response, Age UK is advising pensioners to take steps such as blocking drafts and placing rugs on hard floors to retain warmth. Labour’s previous estimates from 2017 warned that thousands of pensioners could die if the winter fuel payment was scrapped.
The uptick in insulation sales also reflects a broader trend, with households increasingly preparing for extreme weather events as climate change continues to bring unpredictable weather patterns.
A Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson stated, “We are committed to supporting pensioners – with millions set to see their full new state pension rise by £1,700 this parliament through our commitment to the triple lock.” The government also highlighted that over 1 million pensioners will still receive the winter fuel payment, with many others benefitting from the £150 warm home discount and extended household support fund to help with energy bills this winter.
