No saving, as cold-related treatment on NHS to soar

THE collateral costs to the NHS of cuts to winter fuel payments will offset any money saved, research claims.

- Lucy Johnston

The analysis came as medical experts warned Labour’s decision to axe the winter fuel allowance for some pensioners will lead to deaths among people with chronic illnesses such as heart disease and cancer, or serious lung conditions.

The £200-£300 annual payment, introduced by Labour in 1997, was intended to help older people with heating costs. Last week the Government voted to scrap the subsidy to all but the poorest pensioners, reducing the number who get the money from more than 11 million to about 1.5 million. The Treasury estimated that it would save £1.5billion a year.