Electric blanket sales are soaring across the UK following Labour’s move to means-test the £300 Winter Fuel Allowance, it has been revealed.
Sir Keir Starmer’s controversial policy appears to have sparked a surge in electric blanket sales (Image: GETTY)
John Lewis & Partners is reporting a 173 percent spike in sales compared to the same period last year. In addition, analysis of internet search data indicated a sharp spike in Google searches for electric and heated blankets across the UK starting September 10, the day MPs voted on means-testing Winter Fuel Payments.
In response to these findings, Conservative MP and Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride told GB News: “These sales figures are damning and highlight the distress Labour has caused pensioners.”
On September 10, MPs backed plans to strip roughly 10 million pensioners of the payment, prompting furious condemnation from both the right and left.
Google Trends analysis shows searches for “heated blanket” surged by 75 percent on the day of the vote, compared to September 9.
Mel Stride said the figures were ‘damning’ (Image: Getty)
Searches continued to surge, increasing by more than 300 percent on September 12 compared with September 9.
While seasonal searches generally rise as autumn begins, September 12 increase was notably higher than any point in September 2023.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has noted that the state pension will rise by £460 per year, which is intended to offset the £200-£300 loss from the reduced Winter Fuel Allowance.
However, this pension increase will not take effect until 2025, leaving pensioners without support for the upcoming winter season, when the allowance is usually distributed in October and November.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves (Image: Getty)
Mr Stride criticised Labour’s decision, warning it will create “misery” for pensioners who may have to choose between heating and eating. He warned: “Vulnerable seniors will suffer, but Labour seems more focused on appeasing union interests.”
He also pointed to research suggesting that thousands of pensioners might face severe consequences without their winter fuel payments and urged Labour to reconsider their approach.
The government believes its policy could potentially have the Treasury £1.4billion this financial year.
In response, David Pinless, Founder of the Pensioner Vote, stated, “Concerned pensioners are reaching out to us, seeking ways to mitigate the impact of these government cuts.”
Independent Age, a charity providing support to older people, reported that helpline callers are considering reducing food consumption to afford heating or may forgo heating altogether.
They emphasised that while there are strategies to stay warm, some seniors in poverty may not be able to afford even basic solutions like a heated blanket.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has advised affected pensioners to check their eligibility for Pension Credit. According to the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP), over 880,000 pensioners are not claiming this benefit, which averages nearly £4,000 annually.
Caroline Abrahams CBE, Charity Director at Age UK, highlighted the benefits of Pension Credit, noting: “It provides a significant income boost and access to additional support, including help with energy bills, household discounts, and, for those over 75, a free TV licence.”
Express.co.uk has approached the Department of Work and Pensions for comment.
