Pensioners may have to return some of their Winter Fuel Payment to the Government through taxes. Under new regulations, everyone over state pension age will receive between £200 and £300 this winter to assist with heating bills.

However, pensioners with an annual income exceeding £35,000 will be required to return it through the tax system. This means that many will see the money appear in their bank account in November or December, only for it to vanish when their tax bill is calculated.

For the first time since the payment was introduced in 1997, the allowance is no longer guaranteed for all. The Treasury states that the changes will save £450million a year by excluding approximately two million wealthier pensioners.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves unveiled the new system in June following o

See Full Page