Retirees urged to repurpose crisp packets following loss of £300 in Winter Fuel Payments.

According to a heating expert, there is a clever way for pensioners to save money on their energy bills. With millions of people set to lose out on their £300 Winter Fuel Allowance, the expert, Mark McShane from Boiler Cover UK, suggests using crisp packets as a cost-effective solution to increase the efficiency of radiators.

McShane explains that by placing a reflective material, such as an empty crisp packet, behind radiators, the heat can be bounced back into the room instead of escaping through the walls. It may seem like a simple trick, but it can make a significant difference in reducing energy expenditure. All it takes is neatly trimming the crisp packet and fastening it to the wall with double-sided tape.

Not only is this technique easy to implement, but it also has additional benefits. The shiny surface of the crisp packet acts as a thermal reflector, providing extra warmth and coziness without the need for excess energy. This means that pensioners can save even more money on their energy bills.

Apart from using crisp packets, McShane also suggests other useful tips for cutting down on energy costs. For instance, leaving the oven door open after cooking can help warm up the kitchen, and using bubble wrap on windows can serve as an insulator, preventing heat loss.

However, the recent decision to test Winter Fuel payments has sparked controversy. The number of pensioners eligible for the payment is set to drop from 11.4 million to only 1.5 million, causing concerns among pensioners and experts alike. Chancellor Rachel Reeves defends the move, saying it was necessary to address a financial deficit left by the previous government. However, there has been sharp criticism, with money-saving expert Martin Lewis stating that the decision to slash the payment is too narrow.

Lewis points out that over 800,000 people who are eligible for Pension Credit are not claiming it, which means they will also miss out on the Winter Fuel Payment. He believes that with the upcoming winter and the expected 10% rise in energy prices, many pensioners will struggle to pay their bills. The Winter Fuel Payment, which used to be a much-needed cost of living top-up, will no longer be available, and this will affect those who rely on it to keep their homes warm during the cold months.

While there may be an argument for ending the universality of the Winter Fuel Payment, Lewis argues that the group targeted by the recent decision is too narrow. He believes that just limiting it to those on benefits and Pension Credit is not enough, and it will leave many pensioners struggling to make ends meet. Once again, those just above the eligibility thresholds will be the hardest hit.

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