British Gas Aids Amid Winter Fuel Payment Cuts

British Gas is encouraging its pensioner customers to apply for benefits following cuts to winter fuel payments by the Labour government, which will impact approximately 10 million pensioners. The company plans to offer additional support through a £40 million winter scheme and increased grant limits. A petition with nearly 150,000 signatures is urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves to reverse these cuts, which aim to tackle a public finance 'black hole' but have sparked public outcry. Recent government changes mean only pensioners receiving means-tested benefits like Pension Credit will be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, affecting nearly 10 million people. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) plans to send letters to 13 million pensioners to inform them of these changes and encourage them to check their eligibility. Eligible pensioners can claim the payment either by phone or post, with the DWP automatically making payments to about 1.5 million people.