The energy price cap hike coincides with the Government’s decision to withdraw winter fuel payments for approximately 10 million pensioners. The Government declared in July that payments would only be made to those receiving pension credit or certain other means-tested benefits, including universal credit.

This year, around 10 million individuals are expected to lose this allowance. Introduced in 1997, the annual tax-free payment ranging from £100 to £300 was designed to assist eligible…