Pensioners across the UK are rushing to buy heat-saving appliances as the government prepares to cut winter fuel bills by millions. DIY stores have reported an increase in sales as households look for ways to cut energy bills ahead of the colder months.
New data from B&Q shows a nearly 20% increase in loft insulation sales over the past four weeks compared to the same period last year. Wickes also saw an increase in demand for quick solutions such as electrification and energy-efficient lighting, as families scramble to get their homes back on track before the shutdown.
The increase in sales comes amid concerns about rising energy costs. From 1 October, the average household energy bill will increase by £149, bringing the total annual bill to £1,717 due to the price increase. Meanwhile, the government will waive the winter fuel allowance, of up to £300, for 10 million pensioners from November.
Analysts say pensioners, fearing the impact of these changes, are looking for other ways to keep their homes warm. Richard Lim of Retail Economics commented: “It makes sense for people who have been waiting for this winter fuel price to try other ways to reduce electricity costs.”
Labor pointed out that if it had been in power, it would have limited winter fuel payments to pensioners receiving pension credit, which applies to those earning up to £218 a week. The move is expected to save the government £1.4 billion every year but has sparked fears that millions of older people could struggle to pay for their heating.
Age UK estimates that up to 2 million pensioners could find it difficult to heat their homes this winter due to the loss of winter fuel payments. Caroline Abrahams, director of the charity Age UK, said, “We are hearing worrying voices about how older people are dreading the coming months and planning to scale back their heating this winter because they have lost their winter fuel payments.”
In response, Age UK advises pensioners to take measures such as preventing drafts and putting carpets on hard floors to keep warm. Previous Labor estimates for 2017 warned that thousands of pensioners could die if winter fuel payments were withdrawn.
The increase in insulation sales also reflects a broader trend, as households continue to prepare for severe weather conditions as climate change continues to bring more unpredictable weather patterns.
A spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions said, “We are committed to supporting pensioners – as millions are set to see their new pension rise by £1,700 this parliament with our triple lock commitment.” The government also highlighted that more than a million pensioners will still receive a winter fuel payment, with many more benefiting from the £150 home heating rebate and an extended home support fund to help with energy bills this winter.