Removing Winter Fuel Payments could be 'devastating' for farming and rural pensioners

"We believe as many as two million pensioners who find paying their energy bills a real stretch will be seriously hit by this cut."

Chris Brayford
clock • 5 min read
"The lack of adequate heating in rural areas, coupled with limited access to healthcare services, significantly heightens the risk of cold-related illnesses and deaths among the elderly."
Image:

"The lack of adequate heating in rural areas, coupled with limited access to healthcare services, significantly heightens the risk of cold-related illnesses and deaths among the elderly."

Removing Winter Fuel Payments (WFPs) could leave rural pensioners facing fuel poverty during what could be a very harsh winter season. Devon farmer and agri-tech entrepreneur James Wright said he was...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358
Register for free Join Now

 

More on Politics

"We cannot regulate British food out of existence," says MP
Politics

"We cannot regulate British food out of existence," says MP

Ben Goldsborough MP has questioned where the UK stands on its ambitions about the future of farming and horticulture following a visit to Australia

Mia Willemsen
Mia Willemsen
clock 15 September 2026 • 3 min read
School dinner reforms include more pulses and less deep-fried foods
Politics

School dinner reforms include more pulses and less deep-fried foods

Less processed meats, more fruit and vegetables and the introduction of a school food governor are expected of schools in the coming year

Mia Willemsen
Mia Willemsen
clock 14 September 2026 • 2 min read
It is 'madness' to prioritise solar panels over farmland, says MP
Politics

It is 'madness' to prioritise solar panels over farmland, says MP

Norfolk's first Solar Summit was held last weekend to discuss the cumulative impact of rapidly growing solar proposals

Mia Willemsen
Mia Willemsen
clock 13 September 2026 • 3 min read