20 September 2002
The government has extended the scheme to include over-60s residing in 18 countries if they left the UK after January 5, 1998. The change followed discussions with the European Union and could cost an estimated £5m.
Ian McCartney, pensions minister, said: 'Those people who acquired entitlement to a Winter Fuel Payment prior to leaving the UK to live in the European Economic Area or – from winter 2002/03 – Switzerland, may now be able to get payments from when they left the UK.'
David Willetts, shadow work and pensions secretary, said the change could cause confusion. He said. 'The government is going to face a messy process of backdating payments. It is a pity it could not have had a simpler and more watertight scheme from the beginning.'
The government has come under fire for not further extending the scheme to include people with disabilities. A Department for Work and Pensions spokeswoman said: 'We are mindful of the needs of people with disabilities, that is why the government has taken steps to provide help. This could include heating costs.'
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