Age UK.

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Dear      ,

Like many others, I’m bitterly disappointed the Chancellor failed to help the 2.5 million older people on low incomes who will struggle without their Winter Fuel Payment this winter. The Government could have brought forward measures to help them but chose not to. Thank you so much to every single campaigner involved in the Winter Fuel Payment campaign. Hundreds of thousands of you have told me just how bad this cut will be for you. Together, so far:   An incredible 561,977 have signed the petition calling on the Government to reverse their decision about the Winter Fuel Payment and think again. Age UK has met with over 30 MPs about what they could do to help the campaign – and that’s without including the campaigners and local Age UKs that have also hosted meetings! Campaigners sent over 116,000 emails to their MPs, asking them to help. The fight certainly isn’t over. If we continue to keep up the pressure, the Government will have to listen. That’s why the petition is going to stay open as the weather chills. I want as many older people as possible to be able to speak up. The Government must face up to the impact of their decision. But it’s not all bad news. The Budget committed more money for the NHS, which is really important for older people – its biggest users.  I’m also pleased that changes have been announced to Carer’s Allowance so more people caring for loved ones will receive financial help alongside paid work. These are both huge steps in the right direction. With your support we’ll keep fighting for a change on Winter Fuel Payment, as well as pushing for long-term funding to transform social care.

All the very best, Eorann Age UK Campaigns P.S. Age UK have launched a new report about ageism in the UK and want to start a national conversation about ageing.  We’re putting the phrase ‘Let’s change how we age’ at the core of everything we do. It's a rallying cry to everyone who wants to build a society where older people are included and valued. Read more here.