Since 1997, all British pensioners have been able to claim a tax-free payment to help with their heating costs. The winter fuel payment, introduced by the last Labour government, previously doled out as much as £300 a year to all retirees.

Changes to the eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments indicate that around 1.5 million individuals over State Pension age will receive a payment of £100, £200 or £300 this year to assist with increased heating costs during the winter months.

The money is just for the holiday kitty,” says Jon Harvey of the £300 he was given every winter to help with heating bills. “I could also use it to go out for a nice meal.” The 80-year-old, like all pensioners in England and Wales,