East Midlands Area Predicted to Be Hit Hardest by Winter Fuel Payment Changes Revealed

New research suggests over 900-thousand people will be affected by Winter Fuel Payment changes in the East Midlands.

Experts at PE analysed Government data to reveal how many people in the region were recipients of Winter Fuel Payments for Winter 2023 to 2024.

When broken down by local authority, people in West Northamptonshire are expected to be hit hardest, as over 70-thousand people received Winter Fuel payment for winter 2023 to 2024.

North Northamptonshire came second with over 62-thousand recipients, and East Lindsey third with over 41-thousand.

It’s thought Rutland will be the least affected, followed by Oadby and Wigston, and Melton.

Josh Edwards from PE, who analysed the data, said, “with changes to Winter Fuel Payment coming into force, it’s understandable there are concerns about keeping places warm this winter.

He has these tips for anybody who is worried:

“Use a programmable thermostat to maintain a consistent temperature without wasting energy. This can help keep temperatures comfortable during working hours or peak times while reducing heating when spaces are not in use, such as at night or over weekends. This can also help prevent energy waste from overheating, or forgetting to turn the system off, while also stopping the need for constant manual changes.”

“Check that radiators are working efficiently, bleeding them if necessary to improve heat distribution. Over time, air can become trapped, which stops hot water from circulating properly and leads to cold spots, reducing their efficiency. After bleeding, it’s also a good idea to check the boiler’s pressure, as bleeding can sometimes cause a drop.

“Insulate well to keep heat in. Insulation is one of the most effective ways to keep places warm during the winter and reduce heating costs. Without sufficient insulation, a large amount of heat can escape through the roof, walls, and even floors, making the heating system work harder.”