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Thousands of Ipswich pensioners set to lose winter fuel support this year

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

The number of Ipswich pensioners getting government help to heat their homes increased in 2023-24, but upcoming changes will leave many elderly people struggling this winter.

The big picture: 21,865 pensioners in Ipswich received winter fuel payments in 2023-24, up from 21,544 the previous year. However, new eligibility criteria mean millions across the UK will lose this support—thousands in Ipswich.

An elderly lady turning up the heating
Nearly 20,000 elderly people in Ipswich could lose their winter fuel paymentsImageegamIGetty Images

By the numbers:

  • 21,865 pensioners in Ipswich received winter fuel payments in 2023-24.

  • That's 321 more Ipswich pensioners received payments compared to 2022-23.

  • 2,667 pensioners in Ipswich currently receive pension credit and will still qualify, implying that nearly 20,000 will go without.

  • Across Great Britain, 11.6 million elderly people in 8.5 million households received payments last winter.

Why it matters: Charities warn that cutting eligibility could leave many elderly people in dangerously cold homes this winter, particularly those living alone or with disabilities.

What they're saying: Simon Francis of End Fuel Poverty Coalition said: "1.2 million pensioners in absolute poverty and 1.6 million disabled pensioners will no longer receive a winter fuel payment."

Peter Smith of National Energy Action added: "People over the age of 80 are particularly susceptible to the health issues caused and exacerbated by cold homes."

The other side: A government spokesperson said over a million pensioners will still receive the payment, and pointed to other support measures like the warm home discount and Household Support Fund.

What's next: Charities are calling for additional support in the upcoming Budget, particularly through existing schemes like the warm homes discount.

Sources

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Police appeal after golf ball attack damages historic Landguard Fort

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Over 40 golf balls were driven at Felixstowe's Landguard Fort, causing mortar damage to the historic structure's outer wall.

Why it matters: The damage constitutes an offence under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, which protects historically significant sites.

Inside the Landguard Fort in Felixstowe
Inside the Landguard Fort in FelixstoweGetty Images

The details: Suffolk Police reported that the incident took place between 17:00 on Monday, 10 March and 09:00 on Tuesday, 11 March.

The golf balls were driven from a grass mound outside the fort on Point View Road, with some projectiles clearing the outer wall and landing in the inner parade area.

What's next: Officers are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about those responsible to come forward.

How to help: Contact Suffolk Police quoting crime reference 37/13803/25 via:

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form.

The bottom line: This act of vandalism has caused damage to one of Felixstowe's most important historic landmarks, which is protected by national legislation.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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