NFOP News
Reeves confirms major u turn - over 75% of pensioners to get winter fuel payment
9th June 2025
Rachel Reeves confirms a major U-turn on the government's policy today and announces that over 75% of pensioners are to get the winter fuel payment.
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Pensioners in England and Wales with an annual income of £35k or below will be eligible.
Winter Fuel Allowance - Is the government set for a u turn?
5th June 2025
It is looking increasingly likely that the government will make some sort of u turn on eligibility for Winter Fuel Allowance (WFA).
Ever since the policy was announced last year, NFOP, as part of Later Life Ambitions, has campaigned actively on behalf of thousands of poorer more vulnerable older people who have endured a challenging winter as universal eligibility for WFA was withdrawn.
On 4th June, in response to a media question, the Chancellor said that more pensioners will receive a winter fuel payment this winter. Of course we cautiously welcome this news but we will wait to see what it will mean in reality for pensioners who have had their WFA benefit withdrawn.
Meeting with Wendy Chamberlain MP
26th March 2025
NFOP CEO Eamonn Donaghy, together with Later Life Ambitions colleagues Sally Tsoukaris and David Luxton, met with Wendy Chamberlain Lib Dem MP and Deputy Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats at her offices in Portcullis House. A number of issues were discussed, including Bank, Building Society and Post Office branch closures and the impact of this on older people including increasing difficulty in accessing cash, but also from a wider social perspective of isolation and exclusion; the importance of the State Pension Triple Lock and; the importance of a Commissioner for Older People in England and Scotland to ‘mirror’ the established and very successful Commissioner posts in Northern Ireland and Wales, which Wendy Chamberlain readily acknowledged. We also raised the issue of the withdrawal of universal entitlement to Winter Fuel Allowance and the severe impact of this on many older, low income people.
Pictured from left; Wendy Chamberlain Lib Dem MP, Eamonn Donaghy NFOP, Sally Tsoukaris and David Luxton CSPA.
Ms Chamberlain is supportive of the campaigning activity of Later Life Ambitions. On the issue of bank closures, she addressed a House of Commons debate on 24th February and has also spoken on Financial Conduct Authority rules on access to cash. She committed to raising with the Treasury the impact of bank closures and access to cash and to securing clarification around future plans and processes.
WASPI Campaigners Take Legal Action Against DWP
24th February 2025
The Waspi campaign is taking legal action against the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for not compensating women born in the 1950s who were affected by the rise in the state pension age. The Government had previously acknowledged “maladministration” but refused to provide compensation, stating that taxpayers could not afford what would have been a £10.5 billion package. Waspi campaigners continue to claim that women suffered financial hardship because of the changes, and that they had to rethink their retirement plans.
Time to End Ageism: LLA Calls Out Government Inaction
24th February 2025
Later Life Ambitions (LLA) welcomes the findings of the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee’s report into the rights of older people, which exposes the systemic failures that leave older generations without adequate legal protections, excluded from access to vital services, and denied fair representation in policymaking.
The report makes it clear: existing age discrimination laws are weak, outdated, and rarely enforced. Digital exclusion is leaving thousands without access to essential services, and ageist stereotypes in the media continue to fuel division and discrimination. The Government can no longer ignore these urgent issues.
Eamonn Donaghy, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Occupational Pensioners and a spokesperson for LLA, said: “The Women and Equalities Committee has laid bare what many of us already know: that older people are being let down and over-looked as their voices and needs are widely ignored.
“That ageism has become so entrenched in British society should be a national embarrassment. The Government can’t keep turning a blind eye to this ever-growing problem.
“Later Life Ambitions calls on the Government to take heed of the committee’s findings and do as LLA has been saying for some time: implement older people’s commissioners nationwide.
“The very positive, demonstrable impact the commissioners have made to the health, well-being and quality of life of older people in Wales and Northern Ireland is clear evidence of this.
“The Government needs a win – why not act now to easily improve the lives of millions?”
Millions more pensioners face income tax
8th February 2025
The Daily Express on Saturday 8th February reported that 10 million more pensioners could be forced to pay income tax by 2032 because the Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Treasury refuse to increase the tax-free threshold.
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Later Life Ambitions and other campaigners are pleading with Chancellor Rachel Reeves to axe the policy which will force millions more pensioners to pay income tax.
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LLA spokesman Alan Lees - NARPO was quoted in the Express "We urge the Government to reconsider the decision to freeze tax thresholds and to ensure that pensioners are not unfairly penalised for modest increases in their income. The Government must take urgent action to support pensioners rather than adding to their financial burden".
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Click the button below to read the full article .
Lloyds Bank to close 136 more branches by March 2026
29th January 2025
The BBC report that Lloyds Banking Group will be closing 136 branches by March 2026 with closures affecting 61 Lloyds Bank branches, 61 Halifax branches and 14 Bank of Scotland branches. Lloyds Group has justified the closures by saying transactions across these branches fell by 48% during the past 5 years as customers move to app based banking.
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The announcement comes the day after a government minister stressed the importance of access to cash for vulnerable people.
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The continued decline in physical banking infrastructure is leaving many people, particularly older individuals, without access to cash. The closure of thousands of bank branches across the United Kingdom has disproportionately impacted those who rely on cash for daily transactions and budgeting, particularly amid cost-of-living pressures.
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Recent announcements of further bank closures are exacerbating this issue, as digital banking increasingly becomes the default. While many customers have adapted to online services, a significant portion of the population still depends on face-to-face banking and access to cash. Many pensioners find online banking challenging or unsafe, and the loss of branches limits their ability to manage finances independently.
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Eamonn Donaghy, CEO of the NFOP and a spokesperson for Later Life Ambitions, said:
“The ongoing removal of physical banking services is a direct threat to older people’s financial independence. Many of our members have experienced unnecessary stress as they’ve been expected to embrace online banking, whether they wanted to or not. This reinforces the call in our manifesto, Standing by Pensioners, for banks and businesses to develop more practical and accessible ways for pensioners to carry out their banking securely, such as the introduction of local banking hubs. The closure of bank branches reduces access to cash, and the lack of banking staff increases the risk of fraud and financial abuse, particularly among older individuals who may be experiencing cognitive impairment. Despite this, thousands of communities have already been left without local cash services. Many pensioners have been forcibly excluded from financial independence.
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The Government has acknowledged the issue and pledged to increase banking hubs to ensure access to cash for vulnerable people. However, progress has been slow, and concerns remain that some hubs lack basic facilities, making them an inadequate replacement for traditional banking services.”
Government Announces Social Care Commission
8th January 2025
The Government has unveiled plans to reform England’s social care system, including the establishment of a cross-party Commission chaired by the crossbench peer Baroness Louise Casey.
The Commission will begin its work in April 2025 as part of a broader vision from the Government to create a National Care Service to address chronic issues of underfunding, workforce shortages, and growing demand. It will produce an interim report in 2026 with final recommendations due for publishing in 2028.
The announcement represents the latest initiative aimed at reforming the social care system in England. Over the last two decades we have seen a number of proposals, announced to great optimism and public fanfare that were subsequently dropped, cancelled or quietly shelved. Many of us will vividly recall then prime minister Boris Johnston standing outside 10 Downing Street committing to “fix the crisis in social care once and for all”.
We must hope that this latest proposal will produce tangible results and will finally deliver urgently needed and long overdue reform of the social care system and will not turn out to be merely a cynical attempt to “kick the can down the road”.
Later Life Ambitions Celebrates Ten Years!
20th December 2024
Later Life Ambitions celebrated its tenth anniversary with a parliamentary reception on Tuesday 17th December , bringing together parliamentarians of all parties with campaigners and LLA partners NFOP, NARPO and CSPA.
From left Richard Critchley - NARPO, Sally Tsoukaris - CSPA, Mark Francois - Conservative MP, Eamonn Donaghy - NFOP, Alan Lees - NARPO
From left; Neil Duncan Jordan - Labour MP, Eamonn Donaghy - NFOP, Richard Critchley - NARPO
Priti Patel - Conservative MP for Witham.
From left Richard Critchley - NARPO, Sally Tsoukaris - CSPA, Mark Francois - Conservative MP, Eamonn Donaghy - NFOP, Alan Lees - NARPO
Government Denies WASPI Compensation
18th December 2024
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall apologised for a 28-month delay in sending letters, but yesterday rejected any kind of financial payouts. The Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign has described the decision as an 'insult'.
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, pledged to compensate the women in the party's 2019 manifesto.
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Sec. of State for Work & Pensions Admits Additional 100,000 Pensioners Will Be Forced Into Poverty
19th November 2024
In a letter published this week from Liz Kendall, the Secretary of State for Work & Pensions, to the House of Commons Work and Pensions Committee the government admits that the impact of the removal of winter fuel payments will leave an estimated additional 100,000 pensioners in relative poverty. ​
LLA Quoted in Sunday Express Lead Story
17th November 2024
The Sunday Express today led with a story on the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment and stating that up to a million poor pensioners will miss out on vital help with winter fuel bills as freezing weather grips Britain this week.
The story continued inside with a quote from LLA’s Eamonn Donaghy click here to read more.
Press Reports - Rachel Reeves plans to tax private sector pension contributions and the potential of low savings from means-tested winter fuel payments
30th September 2024
The Telegraph reports that Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to launch a £16bn tax on private sector pension contributions in Labour’s first Budget, focusing on tax relief exemptions for employer contributions currently not subject to National Insurance (NI). Speculation is also growing that Reeves might also target pensioners by adjusting other tax reliefs. Potential measures include removing the inheritance tax (IHT) exemption on pension pots or reducing the tax-free lump sum that pensioners can withdraw from £268,275 to £100,000, as recommended by the Fabian Society. However, such changes would likely generate limited revenue relative to the political backlash they could trigger.
The Daily Mail reports that Rachel Reeves’ plan to save £1.4 billion annually by means-testing winter fuel payments for 10 million pensioners might yield less than half the projected savings, according to new analysis. The move restricts payments to those eligible for pension credit, but the announcement is expected to increase pension credit claims significantly, potentially adding £700 million in costs due to additional linked benefits. This would drastically reduce the net savings.
The Express reports that the Labour Party's decision to cut the winter fuel payment has sparked controversy, with a new analysis suggesting the expected savings of £1.4 billion may be significantly lower. The change means only pensioners receiving Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits will qualify, reducing recipients from 10.8 million to 1.5 million. However, the announcement led to a 152% rise in Pension Credit claims, which could reduce the expected savings. The move has been criticized as "cruel," including by Rosie Duffield, who recently quit the Labour whip. Opposition and internal critics argue the policy will leave many pensioners without crucial support.
LabourList have published an article on Rosie Duffield, MP for Canterbury resigning from the Labour Party, criticising the government for "cruel and unnecessary policies" and raising concerns over donations and gifts linked to Keir Starmer. In her resignation letter to the Prime Minister, she accused the leadership of sleaze and nepotism, and condemned policies such as retaining the two-child benefit cap and means-testing the winter fuel payment. Duffield criticised the Prime Minister’s leadership style, claiming it has harmed the party's reputation. Despite being re-elected 85 days ago with a larger majority, she will now serve as an independent MP.​​
Winter Fuel Payment Cuts To Go Ahead
10th September 2024
Opposition MPs have today failed to block government plans to cut winter fuel payments for most pensioners which means that the government will begin to implement cuts to the Winter Fuel Allowance.
A total of 348 MPs backed the government, with 228 supporting the opposition motion.
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To read and view more from the BBC click the button below...​​
Two Million More Pensioners Forced To Pay Income Tax Reports The Times
27th June 2024
Chris Smyth - Whitehall Editor of The Times reports that over the past three years, the number of UK pensioners paying income tax has increased by two million to a total of 8.5 million.
This rise is due to higher state pensions and frozen tax thresholds, making even small amounts of additional income taxable for older people.
In his News from the CEO feature in the June 24 edition of the NFOP Magazine, CEO Eamonn Donaghy commenting on the Spring Financial Statement said that 'the ongoing freeze on personal allowances means that a significant number of pensioners will be dragged into paying tax' and 'after working all of their lives paying taxes and National Insurance, pensioners are of the firm opinion that the government is giving with one hand whilst taking back with the other. Later Life Ambitions has been active in commenting on this issue in the national media'
Sunak and Starmer told to back older voters if they want to win election
26th May, 2024
The Express online reports that campaigners are calling on both major parties to promise a champion for older people in their general election manifestos.
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Backing a Commissioner for Older People and Ageing would help parties win the “grey vote”, pressure groups say.
The call was also included in the Later Life Ambitions manifesto launched in Parliament by Eurovision legend Sandie Shaw. The role would apply to England, with similar posts already in place in Wales and Northern Ireland. CLICK HERE to read the full Express article.
Sunday Express Quotes Later Life Ambitions member CSIS's General Secretary Sally Tsoukaris
7th April 24, 2024
Jonathan Walker of The Sunday Express reported on 7th April that Rishi Sunak is attempting to head off a
revolt by older voters with a pledge that his
Government will always back pensioners. Jonathan Walker went on to say that he [Rishi Sunak] has been stung by claims he is alienating the over-65s with tax hikes.
Sally Tsoukaris, general secretary of theCivil Service Pensioners Alliance, a memberof pensioners’ campaign group Later LifeAmbitions, said: “Our members are increasinglyconcerned about talk of doing awaywith National Insurance, a policy that wouldessentially punish those that have workedand paid in all their lives but now face beingcaught by the dragnet of income tax...CLICK HERE to read more from Sally and the full Sunday Express article.
Hunt: We'll keep 'triple lock' on pension increases if we win election
March 24, 2024
Jeremy Hunt has said the Conservatives will keep the triple lock system to decide rises in the state pension if they win the election.
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The chancellor confirmed the pledge, which means the pension rises in line with average earnings growth, inflation or 2.5% - whichever is highest.
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He told Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg he was confident the "expensive" promise would be paid by growing the economy. You can hear exactly what the chancellor said by playing the BBC clip on the right and read more from the BBC here.
The Sunday Express - Budget Warning
Later Life Ambitions Quoted
March 03, 2024
Impactful budget coverage appeared in the Sunday Express this weekend beginning with a front page warning to Jeremy Hunt and the Tories that they face a furious backlash from pensioners if they fail to cut income tax in the Budget this week, with Later Life Ambitions quoted as shaping the story.
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Hitting the front page in the weekend before the Budget is already shaping the debate and will also be on the Chancellor’s radar given the influence of the Express on MPs, party members and ultimately Conservative voters.
Later Life Ambitions - Election Toolkit
February 19, 2024
Later Life Ambitions (LLA) is determined to ensure that the voice of people in later life is heard during this upcoming General Election. LLA will remain focused on campaigning to ensure that older people across the country can lead fulfilling lives. LLA want all candidates to help change the terms of the debate to focus on the ambitions and hopes for the future rather than the perceived ‘costs’ to the rest of society.
LLA have prepared a toolkit and video to support members in engaging with local candidates in the election which includes guidance on how to find out who your local candidates are, how to contact them and what to say. It has been designed to be user-friendly and straightforward to help everyone have their voice heard.
LLA Statement on the Digital Inclusion Bill
December 8, 2023
Later Life Ambitions are alarmed to hear of Government initiated proposals that potentially open the door to means testing of the state pension and other benefits. We are, of course, opposed to this.
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Our collective membership, and all current and future pensioners, will be rightly concerned by legislative amendments to the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill, which gives the Government access to pensioners’ bank accounts.
Whilst the DWP have sought to deny that changes to the universal nature of the state pension was the motive for these unprecedented data protection changes, we urge Ministers to put a statement on the record to this effect and properly explain why pensioners’ bank accounts are to be scrutinised in such a way.
We’re pleased that Sir Stephen Timms MP, Chair of the influential Commons Work and Pensions Committee, has identified the risks posed by these policies and has spoken out publicly.
It’s important to note that the Bill still needs to pass through the scrutiny of the House of Lords, so is not law yet. We urge Peers to review these amendments and revise the legislation when they have the opportunity and protect pensioners rights. We also call on MPs to ask Ministers directly what is the purpose of these changes through parliamentary questions and to insist they properly and straightforwardly debate issues around pensions as we approach a general election in 2024.
It’s clear that those in later life now and in the future deserve honesty, transparency and fairness. Ministers should provide assurances immediately on this vital issue and we will continue to call for politicians of all parties to consider the vital importance of the views of people in later life in all their policy decisions and manifestos going forward.
State Pension Increases by 8.5% from April 24
November 23, 2023
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt unveiled his Autumn Statement 2023 in the House of Commons yesterday setting out the government's tax and spending plans for the year ahead which included an 8.5% increase to the state pension, in line with the triple lock. To view the full autumn statement just click the image on the left.
Pensioners' Manifesto Launched In Westminster
November 21, 2023
Without a single, authoritative voice to speak up and advocate for older people, the issues faced in later life can easily be ignored or simply overlooked by decision-makers. Older people in England and Scotland need a commissioner.
Later Life Ambitions (LLA) brings together the collective voices of over a quarter of a million pensioners through the NFOP, Civil Service Pensioners Alliance (CSPA) and National Association of Retired Police Officers (NARPO).
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The Pensioners' Manifesto, written by LLA, NFOP, CSPA and NARPO, lays out our vision for a better deal for older people and was formally launched in Westminster on November 21, 2023, at a very well-supported event in the Thames Pavilion. The launch was opened by The Right Honourable Sir Stephen Timms MP, Chair of the Work & Pensions Select Committee and featured a host of passionate and influential guest speakers including Sammy Wilson MP, DUP Spokesperson on Work & Pensions, Claire Hanna MP, SDLP Belfast South, Gill Furniss MP, Shadow Pensions Minister, David Linden MP, SNP Westminster Spokesperson on Social Justice and our celebrity ambassador Sandie Shaw.
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If you would like a printed copy of the Pensioners' Manifesto please email your request to info@nfop.org.uk or call us on 01582 721652
Sir Stephen Timms MP
Claire Hanna MP
Sandie Shaw
Richard Pollock, Eamonn Donaghy - NFOP, Gaynor Garton - Square7 Media
Steve Turner EC, Paul Hands EC Chair & Eamonn Donaghy CEO - NFOP
David Linden MP
Sammy Wilson MP
Gill Furniss MP
The Thames Pavillion
November 19, 2023
Pop Icon Sandie Shaw & NFOP CEO Eamonn Donaghy Remind Politicians Triple Lock Is Key
Pop icon Sandie Shaw is helping launch the 'pensioners manifesto' in Westminster this Tuesday 21st November as reported in the Sunday Express. ' This manifesto makes clear that older people don't just have ambitions to live full and fulfilling lives but we stand ready to contribute to society, the economy and the country in general' the star said. Eamonn Donaghy said 'keeping the triple lock is the key to victory at the next election' ... read the Sunday Express article here and here